Competition Heating Up for Indiana Basketball’s Point Guard Spot
As Indiana basketball gears up for a crucial summer with new head coach Darian DeVries at the helm, the point guard position stands out as the most competitive.
Open Battle for the Position
“We have three point guards that we like. It’ll be open competition all summer,” DeVries stated during an appearance on “The Field of 68” podcast with Jeff Goodman. “I think we have enough talent to create some solid depth.”
Introducing the Contenders
The depth is exemplified by three seasoned players: Tayton Conerway, Conor Enright, and Jason Drake. Each brings distinct skills and experiences that could make this one of Indiana’s strongest point guard rotations in recent years.
Conerway: The Frontrunner
Conerway, a transfer from Troy, is seen as the leading candidate for the starting role. A 6-foot-3 guard from Burleson, Texas, he earned the Sun Belt Player of the Year title last season, averaging 14.2 points, 4.6 rebounds, 4.8 assists, and 2.9 steals per game. His physical style and defensive prowess made him a desirable addition in the transfer portal.
Enright’s Return
Challenging Conerway will be Enright, who previously worked with DeVries at Drake. Enright transferred to DePaul for the 2024-25 season, where he excelled as a facilitator before a shoulder injury cut his season short in February. In 23 games, he averaged 7.5 points and had an impressive assist rate.
Drake: The Versatile Guard
The last to join the competition is Drake, who played at Drexel last season. A native of Oak Park, Michigan, he averaged 11.1 points and nearly 40% from three-point range. With a solid record at Drexel, Drake’s ability to contribute offensively without dominating the ball makes him a valuable asset in pairing with either Conerway or Enright.
All Together Now
All three guards bring different strengths to the table. Conerway offers a physical, dual-threat presence; Enright adds agility and vision; and Drake provides scoring potential and perimeter shooting. “They can play on and off the ball,” DeVries commented, emphasizing the versatility of his point guards and their potential to create opportunities for teammates.
Looking Ahead
Although a clear starter hasn’t emerged yet, DeVries isn’t rushing to make a decision. The competition for the point guard role is expected to be pivotal for Indiana’s preseason and overall success this season. “We have a lot of depth and experience at point guard,” DeVries concluded, “and I believe they will complement each other well.”
