Samet Yigitoglu, Indiana's new 7-foot-2 center, brings both size and a positive attitude to the Hoosiers as the team prepares for the upcoming season. Despite suffering minor injuries during practice, he remains a consistent presence on the court, blending fun with intensity. Yigitoglu aims to be the inside force Indiana lacked last season, following a solid performance at SMU, where he averaged 10.7 points and 7.9 rebounds. His connection with teammate Aiden Sherrell is expected to enhance both players' performances ahead of the new season.

By the Numbers
  • Yigitoglu averaged 10.7 points, 7.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks last season at SMU.
  • He shot 62.8% from the field and had seven double-doubles during his time at SMU.
State of Play
  • Yigitoglu displayed his skills with six points and five rebounds in a recent 98-64 exhibition victory over Team Canada.
  • The Hoosiers are focusing on developing their offensive rebounding, aiming to maximize their size and athleticism.
What's Next

The Hoosiers are looking to integrate Yigitoglu into their offensive and defensive systems as they gear up for the season. With a focus on elite offensive rebounding, the coaching staff aims to leverage the strengths of both Yigitoglu and Sherrell to enhance their gameplay.

Bottom Line

Yigitoglu’s combination of size, skill, and a positive attitude positions him as a transformative player for Indiana this season. His willingness to adapt and play for the team indicates a promising future, as the Hoosiers strive for success in the Big Ten and beyond.