TRAGIC NEWS: Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball star player Myles Rice sends shock message to head coach Darian DeVries Explaining why He’s…

Indiana Hoosiers Men’s Basketball Star Player Myles Rice Sends Shock Message to Head Coach Darian DeVries Explaining Why He’s Leaving the Program, Leaving Fans in Disbelief

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. — In a stunning development that has left Indiana Hoosiers fans reeling, star guard Myles Rice has informed head coach Darian DeVries that he will be leaving the program, citing personal reasons and uncertainty about the team’s future direction.

Rice, a breakout performer last season after transferring from Washington State, was widely expected to be one of the key returning players for Indiana’s 2025 campaign under first-year head coach DeVries. Instead, he delivered a heartfelt and unexpected message that not only explained his decision to move on, but also offered a glimpse into the internal challenges facing the Hoosiers during this transitional period.

“Coach DeVries, I want to thank you for the opportunity and the respect you’ve shown me since stepping into this role,” Rice wrote in a private message later confirmed by sources close to the team. “This was not an easy decision, but after a lot of reflection and discussions with my family, I’ve decided it’s in my best interest to step away from the program and enter the transfer portal. This choice has nothing to do with the coaching staff personally — it’s about finding the best path forward for my growth, both on and off the court.”

Rice’s decision comes at a crucial time for Indiana, as DeVries begins building a new foundation following the departure of former head coach Mike Woodson. Many believed Rice would be central to that rebuilding effort — not just as a scorer and playmaker, but as a leader and role model for younger players.

Last season, Rice averaged 14.6 points, 3.8 assists, and 2.1 rebounds per game, earning praise for his composure, clutch play, and on-court maturity. His ability to control the pace of the game and read defenses made him a fan favorite and a cornerstone of Indiana’s backcourt.

“This is a big blow,” one longtime Hoosier supporter posted on social media. “We were just starting to believe in the future again with Rice at the helm. This feels like we’re back at square one.”

Though Coach DeVries has yet to make a formal statement, a team spokesperson acknowledged Rice’s departure and emphasized the program’s support for his decision. “Myles is an outstanding young man, and we respect his choice. We thank him for his contributions and wish him the best wherever his journey takes him.”

Behind the scenes, insiders say Rice’s departure may stem from concerns about how quickly the team can realistically compete at a high level again. While he expressed appreciation for DeVries’ leadership, sources indicate that Rice was hoping for more immediate momentum in recruiting and overall program development.

As one of the most talented guards now entering the portal, Rice is expected to draw interest from several high-major programs in the coming weeks.

Meanwhile, Indiana fans are left to ponder what could have been. For a team looking to re-establish itself as a Big Ten powerhouse, losing a player of Myles Rice’s caliber is not just a personnel change — it’s a wake-up call.

The road ahead for DeVries just got a lot steeper.