Indiana Basketball Debuts USA Uniforms in Exhibition

After a 98‑64 exhibition rout of Collège Jean‑de‑Brébeuf, the Hoosiers flashed new red, white and blue kits at Assembly Hall on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. The blowout highlighted a balanced scoring effort and set the stage for Indiana’s upcoming role as a Team USA squad. Fans erupted with “USA, USA, USA” chants as the fresh colors glowed across the court.

USA Pride and Player Sentiment

Coach Darian DeVries called the opportunity “pretty cool, pretty special,” emphasizing how wearing the U.S. jersey feels different from the traditional crimson and cream. “When those guys put the jerseys on in the locker room tonight, it’s got a little different meaning when you’ve got USA,” DeVries said. Players described the moment as a hallmark of representing their country on a global stage.

The exhibition also served as a tune‑up for the FISU American Games in Peru, where the Hoosiers will join a pool that includes Brazil, Argentina and host Peru. The tournament features eight teams in a group stage followed by single‑elimination matches, with up to six games possible if Indiana advances to the final.

Game Highlights from Assembly Hall

Indiana fans who showed up for the exhibition enjoyed the moment as well. They chanted “USA, USA, USA” as IU put the finishing touches on the blowout win over a Collège Jean-de-Brébeuf team out of Montreal.

“I know it’s not the Olympics, but it still feels a little bit different,” DeVries said. “We’re playing for something, and we know that is ultimately why we wanted to do this. I think it’s a cool opportunity for our program.”

Advertisement

There will be medals up for grabs as well in Peru. The FISU American Games brings together 20-25 countries from North, Central and South American along with the Caribbean for a multi-sport event.

The basketball tournament starts with a group stage featuring eight teams, before moving onto a single elimination bracket. While Indiana’s schedule hasn’t been announced, its pool includes Brazil (last year’s winner), Argentina and the host country Peru.

They can play up to six games if they advance to the finals, and DeVries expects his players to embrace each and every opportunity.

“When those guys put the jerseys on in the locker room tonight, it’s like it’s got a little different meaning to it when you’ve got USA,” DeVries said. “Obviously, when we’re playing in our Indiana jerseys, we’re representing Indiana and our fans. Now it feels like you’re representing the whole country.”

Advertisement

Michael Niziolek is the Indiana beat reporter for The Bloomington Herald-Times. You can follow him on X @michaelniziolek and read all his coverage by clicking here.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: ‘Pretty special.’ Indiana basketball takes pride in representing Team USA