Hoosiers Strike International Gold: Serbian Star Aleksa Ristić Commits to Indiana, Igniting New Era in Bloomington……………
In a bold and strategic international move, the Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball program has struck gold by securing the commitment of Serbian sensation Aleksa Ristić. The 6-foot-4 combo guard from Belgrade has officially committed to Indiana for the 2025–26 season, marking a potential turning point in the team’s journey under newly appointed head coach Darian DeVries.
Aleksa Ristić may not be a household name in the United States—yet—but the Serbian standout has already built a strong resume on European courts. At just 19 years old, he brings valuable experience, having played professionally for KK Dynamic in Serbia’s competitive KLS league. Ristić averaged 13.9 points, 4.2 assists, and shot an impressive 39% from three-point range last season. His maturity, decision-making, and polished shooting stroke make him a player with serious upside.
More than just a scorer, Ristić has earned a reputation as a cerebral player who thrives in pick-and-roll situations and plays with high basketball IQ. His ball-handling, ability to read defenses, and sharp passing all reflect years of high-level training and competition. He’s also competed with the Serbian U20 national team, giving him critical experience on an international stage.
For Coach Darian DeVries, this recruitment represents more than just adding talent—it’s a statement of intent. Since arriving at Indiana, DeVries has emphasized building a team that balances toughness, skill, and versatility. Landing Ristić, a guard capable of playing both backcourt positions, signals a move toward a more modern, pace-and-space offensive approach.
Sources close to the program noted that DeVries and his staff made Ristić feel like a priority from day one. The coaching staff’s personal involvement and commitment to player development reportedly played a major role in Ristić’s decision. According to his agent, Stevan Petrovic, “Aleksa was impressed by the Hoosiers’ plan for his growth and the opportunity to contribute immediately.
The Hoosiers are in the midst of reshaping their roster, aiming for both immediate competitiveness and long-term success. With just two true freshmen on the incoming roster, Ristić enters an environment that values experience and skill. His game fits seamlessly into DeVries’ offensive system, which favors spacing, movement, and high-efficiency shooting.
Defensively, Ristić shows commitment and effort, even if he still has room to grow physically. His willingness to defend and hustle makes him coachable and a likely contributor early in his college career.
Indiana’s incoming talent pool now has a strong international flavor, and Ristić may be the trailblazer for future overseas recruits eyeing NCAA basketball as a stepping stone to the NBA.
Before officially arriving in Bloomington, Ristić is expected to wrap up summer competition with Serbia’s U20 team. He’ll then join the Hoosiers for offseason workouts and may participate in the team’s August trip to Puerto Rico—a crucial opportunity to build chemistry and adjust to the American game.
With four years of eligibility, Aleksa Ristić isn’t just a short-term fix—he’s part of the foundation for Indiana’s future. His commitment comes at a pivotal moment as the Hoosiers aim to reclaim their status among college basketball’s elite.
The message from Bloomington is clear: Indiana is back on the international map, and the Hoosiers are ready to compete with the best. Aleksa Ristić’s arrival could be the spark that ignit
es a new era in Assembly Hall.