Indiana Basketball’s Starting Lineup Revealed in Butler Win: Is It the Right Five?

On Sunday, Indiana took down Butler 96-68 in an exhibition matchup. The Hoosiers rode a 52-27 second half to their blowout victory. We learned a lot about Darian DeVries’ club – remember, though: it’s always ill-advised to pour too much stock into exhibition games – including the expected starting lineup.

Who will start for Indiana basketball in 2026-27?

The starters for the Hoosiers against Butler were as follows: Markus Burton (guard), Jaeden Mustaf (guard), Darren Harris (wing), Aiden Sherrell (forward) and Samet Yigitoglu (center).

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The frontcourt pairing of Sherrell and Yigitoglu was essentially a given, even after forward Sam Alexis announced his return. And we knew Burton would get the start at lead guard.

But we didn’t know how Mustaf, Harris and fellow transfer Bryce Lindsay would be deployed in the backcourt. We got an early answer on Sunday, as Lindsay came off the bench (did wind up tying for the team-high in minutes played with 22).

The strengths and weaknesses of Indiana basketball’s 2026-27 starting lineup

Indiana Hoosiers center Samet Yigitoglu (21) talks to Indiana Hoosiers forward Markus Burton (5) on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2026, during a preseason game at Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. The Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Butler Bulldogs, 96-68. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect

Strengths

The first obvious strength for this Hoosiers starting five is rebounding. In all honesty, any lineup featuring Sherrell and Yigitoglu is going to be strong on the glass (Indiana did out rebound Butler 53 to 26).

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Also, the specific trio of Burton, Mustaf and Harris is perhaps Indiana’s best combination of perimeter defenders. Burton can be a pesky on-ball defender. Mustaf, with his length and elite athleticism, has all of the makings of a shutdown wing defender.

And Harris, who isn’t the tallest or most athletic, has all of the intangibles to be solid on the ball and in help (a few seasons at Duke certainly doesn’t hurt in that department), even if he…

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Publish date : 2026-10-13 19:56:00

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