Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball head coach Darian DeVries has announced that former Hoosier standout and 2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball, Cody Zeller, will return to his alma mater as an assistant coach. The move brings Zeller back to Bloomington, where he was once a pivotal player for the Hoosiers, before embarking on a successful NBA career…

“It’s really special to welcome Cody Zeller back to Bloomington as a member of our coaching staff,” DeVries said. “He has been involved in some of the biggest wins in program history, and he will be a great presence in our….

In a homecoming that’s set Hoosier hearts alight, **Indiana men’s basketball head coach Darian DeVries** has officially announced the addition of **Cody Zeller** to his coaching staff. The former Hoosier standout and **2011 Indiana Mr. Basketball** is returning to Bloomington — not as a player this time, but as an **assistant coach**, bringing his full-circle journey in basketball back to where it all began.

Zeller, whose name is etched into Indiana basketball lore, played two impactful seasons at Indiana University from 2011 to 2013. During his tenure, he was a cornerstone of the team’s resurgence under then-head coach **Tom Crean**, leading the Hoosiers to back-to-back Sweet 16 appearances and restoring national relevance to the program. His leadership, skill, and Hoosier pride earned him the admiration of fans and teammates alike.

I’m beyond excited to be back in Bloomington,” said Zeller in a press release. “This place shaped who I am — as a player, and as a person. To now have the opportunity to pour back into this program and help the next generation of Hoosiers chase greatness is an incredible honor.

After his successful collegiate career, Zeller declared for the 2013 NBA Draft and was selected 4th overall by the Charlotte Bobcats. Over the next decade, he carved out a solid NBA career with Charlotte, Portland, and New Orleans, known for his basketball IQ, work ethic, and professionalism.

Though he never became a household superstar, Zeller earned a reputation as a dependable, smart big man — traits that now make him a promising coaching asset.

According to Coach Darian DeVries, that combination of experience and character made Zeller a perfect fit.

“Cody understands what it means to wear the Indiana jersey,” DeVries said. “He’s been through the battles, felt the pressure, and knows the responsibility that comes with representing this state and this program. His experience — both in college and the NBA — will be a huge benefit to our guys.”

Darian DeVries, entering his second year as Indiana’s head coach, has emphasized culture-building, development, and reconnecting with the program’s history. Bringing Zeller on board is not only a nostalgic move but a strategic one. Zeller’s firsthand knowledge of what it takes to succeed at Indiana — and beyond — will be instrumental in player development and recruiting.

He’s lived the dream these players are chasing,” DeVries added. “That gives him unique credibility in the locker room.”

Zeller is expected to play a key role in mentoring Indiana’s frontcourt players, bringing NBA-level insights to post play, pick-and-roll execution, and defensive positioning. He will also assist in recruiting and be actively involved in shaping team culture.

Cody Zeller is the youngest of the famed Zeller basketball family. His older brothers, Luke and Tyler, also had distinguished college and professional careers. But it was Cody’s decision to stay in-state and play for IU that sparked a wave of momentum for the program in the early 2010s.

“He’s always been about Indiana,” said longtime IU supporter and Bloomington resident Carol Knight. “This is his home, and now he’s giving back. It’s such a full-circle moment for all of us who followed his journey.

Zeller’s return is expected to energize not only the fanbase but also the players, many of whom grew up watching him dominate the Big Ten. As Indiana continues its quest to return to national prominence under DeVries, the addition of a homegrown hero like Zeller could be a defining step.

“This is about more than basketball,” Zeller said. “It’s about legacy, it’s about home, and it’s about the future. I can’t wait to get to work.