One more late grab
Indiana added another scholarship player ahead of the 2025-26 season in 6’4” guard Aleksa Ristic, who will play with the Serbian U20 team this summer before joining Indiana. The addition leaves one remaining scholarship.
Last season, in Serbia’s highest league, Ristic averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game. Ristic also shot 38.6% from 3-point range.
At first glance, it’s easy to see how Darian DeVries and company got him to commit to Indiana without even visiting campus. As a dynamic guard who passes well and has exceptional 3-point range.
As the point guard for Serbia’s national team, Ristic was especially productive out of high ball screens, capable of using the screener to create space for a drive or a 3-point attempt, especially when he ends up with a big on him off the pick.
He doesn’t have explosive athleticism off the dribble, but uses his height to his advantage, shooting over smaller guards when he gets a step or two. He’s also capable of playing off ball, and knocks down threes at a high enough clip that he can’t be left unguarded outside.
Ristic has four years of college eligibility, so even if he can’t contribute right away, he looks like a solid depth piece for the future. That said, he has three years of professional basketball experience and has some skills, like his shot, that should translate immediately.
Given the overall scholarship situation, it wouldn’t be surprising if DeVries and his staff targeted Ristic in part because of that professional experience.
Before this commitment, Indiana had two scholarships open as it awaited the NCAA’s decisions on Luke Goode’s and Anthony Leal’s appeals for an extra year of eligibility. Adding a player now indicates that DeVries is probably not counting on both waivers being granted.