Jack Ankony
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College basketball and football writer On SI. Indiana University alum.
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Articles by Jack Ankony
Indiana Basketball Guard Nick Dorn Enters Transfer Portal
Dorn will look for a new school after one year with the Hoosiers. Indiana Hoosiers guard Nick Dorn (7) celebrates against the Purdue Boilermakers at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. | Robert Goddin-Imagn Images Indiana's roster overhaul continued Thursday as Nick Dorn entered the transfer portal. That raises the total to 11 departures from the 2025-26 roster, including six graduating seniors and five outgoing transfers.
Darian DeVries schedules crucial transfer portal visit for Indiana basketball
Jack Ankony The upcoming weeks represent a crucial time for Indiana, with transfer portal visits about to begin. For a team like Indiana that has just one player confirmed to return so far, coach Darian DeVries and staff have plenty of work to do. Indiana's first reported visit will be with Notre Dame transfer Markus Burton, according to multiple reports from Jeff Rabjohns of 247Sports and Joe Tipton of On3. The 6-foot, 190-pound guard is scheduled to be in Bloomington from April 12-14.
Indiana's Omar Cooper Jr. Makes Huge Jump On NFL Draft Boards
Here's a look at where Omar Cooper Jr. could go in the 2026 NFL Draft, as well as how Indiana will replace him. Indiana wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. speaks during the NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. | Jacob Musselman / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images During Indiana's national championship run, whether wide receiver Omar Cooper Jr. would enter the 2026 NFL Draft felt like a toss up. For most of the season, he was projected as a mid-to-late round pick.
Washington State transfer Tomas Thrastarson reportedly in contact with Indiana
Jack Ankony Another name to monitor as Indiana recruits the transfer portal is Washington State guard Tomas Thrastarson. Thrastarson has heard from Indiana and several other schools, according to a report from recruiting analyst Sam Kayser , including Oklahoma, Virginia, Virginia Tech, DePaul, Oklahoma State, Clemson, VCU, Georgia Tech and Texas State. Tomas Thrastarson's background Thrastarson is a 6-foot-7, 215-pound guard who began his college career with two seasons at Washington State.
Why Michael Cooper Could Be A Transfer Portal Target For Indiana Basketball Original
The Jeffersonville, Ind. native had a standout freshman season at Wright State. Wright State Raiders guard Michael Cooper (55) dribbles against the Virginia Cavaliers during the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. | Kyle Ross-Imagn Images A potential transfer portal target for Indiana basketball is Wright State guard Michael Cooper.
Indiana Basketball Has Connection To Duke Transfer Darren Harris
Harris entered the transfer portal following his sophomore year at Duke. Duke Blue Devils guard Darren Harris (8) shoots a 3-pointer against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Cameron Indoor Stadium. | Rob Kinnan-Imagn Images Unlike the long process of high school recruiting, transfer portal recruitments can come together quickly. Because of that, it can help to have a previously established relationship with a player.
Fernando Mendoza Recaps Indiana Football Pro Day As Potential Top Pick
Mendoza showed why he's expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft with a strong performance at Pro Day. Here's what he said after the event. Fernando Mendoza participates in Indiana University's Pro Day at Mellencamp Pavilion on Wednesday, April 1, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images After leading the Hoosiers to the national championship, Heisman Trophy quarterback Fernando Mendoza performed at Indiana's Pro Day on April 1 in Bloomington, Ind.
Indiana Basketball Linked To Transfer Portal Guard Jordan Frison
Frison was a third-team All-Southern Conference player as a junior. Memphis Overton's Jordan Frison (5) dribbles past McMinn County's Davion Evans (2) during the 2023 Class 4A TSSAA BlueCross Boys Basketball quarterfinals at Murphy Center Complex in Murfreesboro, Tenn. on Tuesday, March 14, 2023. | Jamar Coach/ Jackson Sun / USA TODAY NETWORK The transfer portal formally opened Tuesday, and there has been plenty of Indiana-related news.
Could Indiana Use Tennessee Connections To Land Transfer Portal Recruits?
A few Tennessee players who've entered the transfer portal were recruited by an Indiana assistant coach. Tennessee Volunteers forward J.P. Estrella (13) shoots a free throw against the Miami (OH) RedHawks during the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Xfinity Mobile Arena. | Bill Streicher-Imagn Images No program is immune to transfer portal departures, even one with three straight Elite Eight appearances like Tennessee.
Indiana Basketball Loses Three Players To Transfer Portal
College basketball transfer portal activity is in full swing, and Indiana has lost three players from the 2025-26 roster so far. Here's what that means for the Hoosiers' second season under Darian DeVries. Indiana's Jasai Miles (0) shoots against Marian at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall on Friday, Oct. 17, 2025. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The transfer portal officially opened Tuesday, sparking movement on the Indiana basketball roster.
Underwood Father-Son Duo Enjoying Special Moment in Illinois’ Final Four Run Original
Illinois' Final Four run has been even more meaningful for Brad Underwood because he gets to experience it with his son, Tyler, an Illini assistant coach Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood (left) and his son, Tyler Underwood (right), on the sideline against the Wisconsin Badgers at the United Center. | David Banks-Imagn Images As the final seconds ticked away in Illinois' 71-59 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight, coach Brad Underwood turned to hug his assistants.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces UConn in NCAA Tournament Final Four
Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Illinois defeating Iowa in the Elite Eight was a breakthrough that coach Brad Underwood had pushed for over the past six seasons. But he has also spoken of his belief in Illinois winning a national championship.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces UConn in NCAA Tournament Final Four
The Illini and Huskies meet for the second time this season, – but this time with a trip to the national championship on the line Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Elite Eight of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Illinois defeating Iowa in the Elite Eight was a breakthrough that coach Brad Underwood had pushed for over the past six seasons.
Why Illinois vs UConn Final Four Will Be Different Than First Matchup
Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) against the UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images A lot can change over the course of a college basketball season, even for a Final Four team. That's certainly the case for Illinois and UConn, which squared off on Nov. 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York. The Huskies won that matchup 74-61, but both teams have made notable personnel changes that alter how the rematch figures to be played.
Why Illinois vs UConn Final Four Will Be Different Than First Matchup
Illinois and UConn played back in November, but the makeup of both teams significantly changed over the following months Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) against the UConn Huskies at Madison Square Garden. | Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images A lot can change over the course of a college basketball season, even for a Final Four team. That's certainly the case for Illinois and UConn, which squared off on Nov. 28 at Madison Square Garden in New York.
Trent Sisley returns for 2026-27 Indiana basketball season
Jack Ankony The first domino of the Indiana basketball offseason has fallen. On Tuesday, news broke that forward Trent Sisley will return to Indiana for his sophomore season in 2026-47, as first reported by On3's Joe Tipton. As a freshman, Sisley averaged 4.2 points and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 43% from the field (46-for-107), 27.1% from 3-point range (13-for-48) and 53.8% from the free throw line (21-for-39).
Trent Sisley Returns For 2026-27 Indiana Basketball Season
The Santa Claus, Ind. native will play for the Hoosiers again as a sophomore. Indiana Hoosiers forward Trent Sisley (11) celebrates with assistant coach Rod Clark after defeating the UCLA Bruins in double overtime at Pauley Pavilion presented by Wescom Financial. | Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images The first domino of the Indiana basketball offseason has fallen.
Questions For Each Indiana Football Defensive Position Group In Spring Practice
After losing key defenders like Aiden Fisher, Mikail Kamara and Louis Moore, who will step up for the Hoosiers' defense? Indiana Hoosiers defensive back Amare Ferrell (1) and Jamari Sharpe (22) celebrate during the National Championship against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Spring football is in full swing in Bloomington.
Coleman Hawkins Celebrates Final Four Run After Helping Fuel Illinois' Resurgence
Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) celebrates against the Duquesne Dukes during the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Part of what has made this season special for Illinois coach Brad Underwood has been enjoying the program's success with alumni. On Saturday, that included Coleman Hawkins, who attended Illinois' 71-59 win over Iowa in the Elite Eight.
Incredible stat highlights Ben Humrichous' value in Illinois' Final Four run
Jack Ankony Based on the box score alone, Ben Humrichous may not appear to have been very valuable in Illinois' 71-59 win over Iowa on Saturday, which sent the Illini to its first NCAA Tournament Final Four in 21 years. In 19 minutes, the senior forward missed both three-point attempts, grabbed four rebounds and totaled zero points, assists, steals and blocks.
Incredible Stat Highlights Ben Humrichous' Value in Illinois' Final Four Run Original
Humrichous may not be asked to score much, but several other traits make him a vital glue guy for the Illini Illinois Fighting Illini forward Ben Humrichous (3) dribbles up the court against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the Elite Eight in the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
Coleman Hawkins Celebrates Final Four Run After Helping Fuel Illinois’ Resurgence
Despite transferring to Kansas State, Coleman Hawkins will always be welcomed back by Brad Underwood and the Illini Illinois Fighting Illini forward Coleman Hawkins (33) celebrates against the Duquesne Dukes during the 2024 NCAA Tournament at CHI Health Center Omaha. | Dylan Widger-Imagn Images Part of what has made this season special for Illinois coach Brad Underwood has been enjoying the program's success with alumni.
Indiana Basketball Legend Steve Alford To Receive Award During Final Four Weekend Original
Alford will be honored with the "Keys To Life" Award, which is named after legendary UCLA coach John Wooden. Nevada Wolf Pack coach Steve Alford against the Air Force Falcons at Clune Arena. | Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images The 2026 Final Four will take place in Indianapolis, so it's only right to honor an Indiana legend.
Brad Underwood Reflects on 'Dream Job' and Leading Illinois to Final Four Original
Underwood has believed Illinois could reach the Final Four for years, and on Saturday he fulfilled a 39-year coaching dream Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood celebrates after cutting down the net after defeating the Iowa Hawkeyes in the 2026 NCAA Tournament Elite Eight at Toyota Center. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Brad Underwood once said he hated losing more than he liked winning.
The 2026 NCAA Tournament Has Been Painful For Indiana Fans Original
Several players from Indiana and previous coaching candidates have had successful runs in the 2026 NCAA Tournament, while the Hoosiers missed the big dance for the eighth time in 10 years. Michigan head coach Dusty May hoists up the NCAA Tournament Midwest Regional Championship trophy after 95-62 win over Tennessee at United Center in Chicago on Sunday, March 29, 2026.
4 Underrated Indiana Football Players As Spring Practice Begins
Here are four Hoosiers who could step into important roles in 2026. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti during Indiana spring football practice on Thursday, March 26, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Indiana returns several key players from its national championship roster, but at the same time, it has to replace stars like Fernando Mendoza, Aiden Fisher and Mikail Kamara –– just to name a few.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Faces Iowa in the NCAA Tournament Elite Eight Original
The Illini and Hawkeyes will meet Saturday with a spot in the Final Four on the line Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood during the Sweet Sixteen against Houston in the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center. | Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images Illinois is one step away from its first Final Four appearance since 2005 and its sixth all time. And just as no one predicted, No. 9 seed Iowa is in Illinois' way.
What Curt Cignetti Said After Indiana's First Spring Football Practice
As the Hoosiers prepare to defend their national championship, here's the full transcript of Cignetti's press conference on Thursday. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti during spring football practice on Thursday, March 26, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Coming off a national championship season, Indiana held its first spring football practice Thursday in Bloomington.
3 things to watch when Illinois plays Houston in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
Jack Ankony The NCAA Tournament is all about playing the best basketball at the right time, and Illinois could make that claim after wins by 35 and 21 points in the first two rounds. But it's also about upsets and matchups, and things are about to get much more difficult for the Illini in the Sweet 16 after facing No. 14 seed Penn and No. 11 seed VCU.
Could Darian DeVries reunite with transfer guard Colby Garland at Indiana?
Jack Ankony With its top five scorers and starting point guard graduating, Indiana has plenty of work to do in the transfer portal heading into the 2026-27 season. The transfer portal doesn't officially open until April 7, but players around the country have already begun announcing their intentions to enter the portal. One player who's done so has a connection to Indiana's coaching staff –– San Jose State guard Colby Garland.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Plays Houston in the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16
The Illini will be seeking their second Elite Eight appearance in three years when they clash with the Cougars on Thursday in Houston Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood leads a team huddle during an NCAA Tournament game against the VCU Rams at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina.
Ranking Indiana Football's 2026 Opponents Easiest To Hardest
Here's a look at the Hoosiers' 2026 schedule, with thoughts on which games are shaping up to be the most difficult. Indiana Hoosiers coach Curt Cignetti walks the sideline during the National Championship against the Miami (FL) Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium. | Grace Hollars/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Indiana approaches perhaps the most highly anticipated football season in program history in 2026, coming off a national championship in coach Curt Cignetti's second season.
Houston's Kelvin Sampson Shares Thoughts on Illinois Ahead of Sweet 16 Matchup
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson during the 2026 NCAA Tournament against Idaho. | NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Illinois versus Houston is one of the most intriguing Sweet 16 matchups because each team's biggest strength will be put to the test. The Illini rank No. 2 nationally in KenPom's adjusted offensive efficiency, while the Cougars have been top five in adjusted defensive efficiency each of the past four seasons.
Bill Self Identifies What Kansas Needs To Do Better After NCAA Tournament Loss
By its high standards, Kansas basketball has hit a rough patch. Sunday's 67-65 loss to St. John's in the Round of 32 means the Jayhawks won't be competing in the Sweet 16 for a fourth straight season, their longest drought since 1985. It's also Kansas' third straight season without a Big 12 -- its longest drought since 2001 -- as the Jayhawks finished third to Arizona and Houston.
Questions For Each Indiana Football Offensive Position Group In Spring Practice Original
The Hoosiers have an interesting mix of returning talent and high-impact transfers as spring practice begins. Indiana's Charlie Becker (80) celebrates with Carter Smith (65) during the National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026. | Rich Janzaruk/Herald-Times / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Indiana football begins spring football this week with expectations like never before.
Houston's Kelvin Sampson Shares Thoughts on Illinois Ahead of Sweet 16 Matchup Original
Cougars coach Sampson called Illinois "the ultimate challenge" because of its offensive efficiency and rebounding Houston coach Kelvin Sampson during the 2026 NCAA Tournament against Idaho. | NATHAN J. FISH/THE OKLAHOMAN / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images Illinois versus Houston is one of the most intriguing Sweet 16 matchups because each team's biggest strength will be put to the test.
Bill Self Identifies What Kansas Needs To Do Better After NCAA Tournament Loss
Rather than change the program's identity, Self believes Kansas must recruit and evaluate talent at a higher level. Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self against the Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse. | Scott Sewell-Imagn Images By its high standards, Kansas basketball has hit a rough patch. Sunday's 67-65 loss to St. John's in the Round of 32 means the Jayhawks won't be competing in the Sweet 16 for a fourth straight season, their longest drought since 1985.
Three biggest offseason concerns for Indiana under Darian DeVries
Jack Ankony It's been nearly two weeks since Indiana's first season under coach Darian DeVries ended in concerning fashion, losing six of its final seven games, including a 74-61 loss to a 15-19 Northwestern team in the Big Ten Tournament. DeVries had the Hoosiers in a good spot to reach the NCAA Tournament in mid-February, but the late-season collapse meant a third straight year in which Indiana would not participate in March Madness.
Brad Underwood hits career milestone, climbs Illinois record books with VCU win
Jack Ankony Saturday's 76-55 win over No. 11 seed VCU most importantly advanced Illinois to the Sweet 16 and kept the season alive for an outgoing group of seniors and NBA Draft picks. But from a big-picture standpoint, it also shows how Brad Underwood has steadily elevated himself among coaches in Illinois' program history.
Indiana Football Has Several All-American Candidates In 2026
With key returning players and significant transfer portal additions, the Hoosiers should be well-represented on the All-American teams again in 2026. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti paces the sideline during the National Championship at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Bill Self unsure if he'll continue coaching Kansas after NCAA tournament loss
Jack Ankony Legendary college basketball coaches like Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Jay Wright, Jim Boeheim and Tony Bennett have all retired in recent seasons. While a decision hasn't been made, Kansas coach Bill Self could be the next coach of that caliber to walk away. Following Sunday's 67-65 loss to No. 5 seed St. John's in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32, Self spoke with uncertainty regarding his future at Kansas.
Bill Self Unsure If He'll Continue Coaching Kansas After NCAA Tournament Loss
Following the Jayhawks' Round of 32 loss to St. John's, Self said he hasn't made a decision on his future. Kansas Jayhawks coach Bill Self against the St. John's Red Storm during the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Legendary college basketball coaches like Mike Krzyzewski, Roy Williams, Jay Wright, Jim Boeheim and Tony Bennett have all retired in recent seasons.
David Mirkovic makes Illinois basketball history in NCAA tournament win over Penn
Jack Ankony David Mirkovic set a few Illinois records during Thursday's 105-70 win over No. 13 seed Penn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. But from his perspective, it didn't require anything extraordinary. "That's what I do every day, even practices," said Mirkovic, a freshman from Montenegro. "And on games, I just crash the boards and try to bring that physicality.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Plays VCU in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32
The No. 3-seeded Illini face an upset-minded No. 11 VCU team that defeated North Carolina in overtime in the first round Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood speaks during a press conference ahead of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images No. 3-seeded Illinois cruised to a 105-70 win over No. 14 seed Penn on Thursday night in the NCAA Tournament. And on paper, the Illini are set up well for a trip to the second weekend.
3 Things to Watch When Illinois Plays VCU in the NCAA Tournament Round of 32
Illinois Fighting Illini coach Brad Underwood speaks during a press conference ahead of the first round of the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. | Bob Donnan-Imagn Images No. 3-seeded Illinois cruised to a 105-70 win over No. 14 seed Penn on Thursday night in the NCAA Tournament. And on paper, the Illini are set up well for a trip to the second weekend.
David Mirkovic Makes Illinois Basketball History In NCAA Tournament Win Over Penn
The freshman forward Mirkovic totaled 29 points and 17 rebounds in a dominant win over Fran McCaffery's Quakers Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) shoots against the Penn Quakers during the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena. | Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images David Mirkovic set a few Illinois records during Thursday's 105-70 win over No. 13 seed Penn in the first round of the NCAA Tournament. But from his perspective, it didn't require anything extraordinary.
What Cal Baptist coach and players said about Kansas before NCAA tournament
Jack Ankony No. 4 seed Kansas begins the NCAA Tournament Friday against No. 13 seed Cal Baptist at 8:45 p.m. CT at Viejas Arena in San Diego, Calif. The winner advances to the Round of 32, where they'll face either No. 5 seed St. John's or No. 12 seed Northern Iowa. Ahead of Friday's game, Cal Baptist coach Rick Croy and leading scorer Dominique Daniels spoke about their matchup against the Jayhawks. Here's what they said. On coaching against Bill Self and the game plan against Kansas...
What Cal Baptist Coach And Players Said About Kansas Before NCAA Tournament
Cal Baptist coach Rick Croy and leading scorer Dominique Daniels Jr. previewed Friday's game against the Jayhawks. Cal Baptist coach Rick Croy speaks at a press conference before playing Kansas in the 2026 NCAA Tournament at Viejas Arena. | Denis Poroy-Imagn Images No. 4 seed Kansas begins the NCAA Tournament Friday against No. 13 seed Cal Baptist at 8:45 p.m. CT at Viejas Arena in San Diego, Calif.
Indiana Schedules National Championship Trophy Tour Throughout State
Fans can attend a free event with Indiana football's National Championship, Big Ten Championship, Rose Bowl and Peach Bowl trophies. Here's the full schedule. Indiana coach Curt Cignetti prepares to lift the national championship trophy after defeating the Miami Hurricanes at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Monday, Jan. 19, 2026.
Former Indiana assistant Travis Steele leading Miami of Ohio to historic season
Jack Ankony Miami of Ohio is perhaps the best story of the 2025-26 college basketball season, and its coach, Travis Steele, has several Indiana ties. A Danville, Ind. native, Steele began his coaching career at Ben Davis High School in Indianapolis while attending Butler University. He later became a video coordinator at Indiana in 2006 on Kelvin Sampson's staff, a role in which he broke down hours of film, putting together opponent and self-scouting reports for the Hoosiers.
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