Indiana Hoosiers Head Coach Darian DeVries Reacts in Shock as Former Star Myles Rice, Now with Maryland, Sends Note to the Team Concerning..
In a moment that caught the Indiana Hoosiers basketball community off guard, Head Coach Darian DeVries was visibly stunned after receiving word that former standout guard Myles Rice—now officially with the Maryland Terrapins—had sent a heartfelt note addressed to the current Hoosiers roster. The message, which sources say was both emotional and deeply personal, centered around themes of brotherhood, gratitude, and the difficult process of moving on.
The letter came just days after Rice finalized his transfer to Maryland, a decision that has stirred conversation across Big Ten circles. Though rumors of his departure had been swirling for weeks, the reality of the move finally hit home when Rice himself took the time to pen a farewell message that was delivered to Indiana’s locker room earlier this week.
Coach DeVries: “Didn’t See It Coming Like This”
Darian DeVries, entering his second season as head coach of the Hoosiers, spoke candidly at a press availability on Wednesday.
“I knew Myles was wrestling with his decision, and I always respected that,” DeVries said. “But seeing that letter… It hit differently. It was thoughtful, it was real, and you could tell how much he cared about the guys here. That’s what makes it tough. You want what’s best for him—but man, it stings.”
Sources close to the program say the team was gathered in the film room when the note was read aloud. A few players reportedly grew emotional, especially those who came in with Rice as part of the same recruiting class.
“He didn’t just leave,” said one team source. “He explained why. And that matters.”
The Letter: A Farewell Rooted in Respect
Though the full content of Rice’s note has not been made public, fragments have been shared through team channels and social media posts by those close to the program. According to multiple reports, Rice thanked his teammates for “pushing me every day to become a better player and person” and called his time at Indiana “the most formative experience of my life so far.”
He continued by acknowledging that leaving was “not a decision made out of frustration or regret,” but rather one “made in pursuit of growth and a different kind of challenge.”
Rice concluded the message with a simple but resonant reminder: “No matter where I go, I’ll always be proud to say I wore the candy stripes.”
A Team Grappling with Change
For a team already navigating a critical offseason, the emotional departure of Rice presents a new test of resilience. DeVries, who took over the program with a reputation for steady leadership and strong culture-building, now faces the challenge of re-centering the team after the exit of one of its vocal leaders.
“Myles was a tone-setter,” DeVries acknowledged. “He brought energy to every practice, played with heart, and carried himself with humility. But this is also an opportunity for new voices to emerge.”
Junior guard Trey Galloway is expected to step into more of a leadership role, and sophomore phenom Marcus Boyd has already begun organizing offseason workouts to “keep the spirit alive,” as he put it in a recent Instagram post.
The Hoosiers’ locker room reportedly remains unified, and many players have publicly wished Rice well, including several who reposted his message with captions like “Forever my brother” and “All love. Always.”
Maryland’s Gain
Rice, who averaged 14.8 points and 5.2 assists last season with Indiana, is expected to make an immediate impact with Maryland. His skill set—marked by tight ball-handling, court vision, and a quick first step—fits well into the Terrapins’ fast-paced, perimeter-heavy style. Maryland’s head coach, Kevin Willard, has not yet commented in depth about the transfer but previously described Rice as “a leader who brings poise and toughness to every possession.”
While Indiana may feel the absence of their former star on the floor next season, the mutual respect between the player and the program suggests that Rice’s legacy in Bloomington will endure well beyond the stat sheets.
Looking Ahead: The Rebuild Continues
The Hoosiers now turn their attention to internal development and portal acquisitions. Coach DeVries has emphasized continuity and culture, reiterating that “the guys who are here, want to be here. And that’s what matters most.”
There’s also a growing belief that Rice’s graceful exit could help galvanize the locker room, uniting returning players under a shared banner of purpose and loyalty.
“There’s no bitterness here,” DeVries said with a nod. “Just brotherhood—and that doesn’t end when someone puts on a different jersey.”
As spring workouts continue and summer approaches, one thing is clear: while Myles Rice’s path has taken him east, the bond he forged in Bloomington remains unbroken. And for the Indiana Hoosiers, the road ahead is still paved with purpose.