Indiana Hoosiers men’s basketball Forward Malik Reneau Stuns Hoosiers with a Game Changing play, Head coach Darian Devries Reacts with Shock Announcement concerning the…
Indiana Hoosiers Forward Malik Reneau Stuns Fans with Game-Changing Play; Head Coach Darian DeVries Follows with Shocking Announcement
Indiana Hoosiers forward Malik Reneau sent shockwaves through Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall and the entire college basketball world Tuesday night with a dazzling, game-changing play that sealed a dramatic win over a top-ranked opponent. But as the excitement reached a fever pitch, the celebration took an unexpected turn when first-year head coach Darian DeVries made a surprise announcement that could have major implications for the program’s future.
Reneau’s Heroics Ignite the Hoosiers
The Hoosiers, locked in a tight battle against No. 3-ranked Michigan State, found themselves trailing 68-67 with just 9.4 seconds remaining in regulation. After a timeout, Indiana drew up what appeared to be a standard final-possession play designed to get a clean look for sharpshooter Gabe Cupps at the perimeter.
Instead, junior forward Malik Reneau made an instinctive decision that turned into one of the most electrifying moments of the season.
As Cupps received the inbounds pass, Michigan State’s defense collapsed, leaving Reneau isolated at the top of the key. Reading the defense, Cupps dished the ball to Reneau, who launched a hesitation spin move past two defenders before soaring for a powerful, contested one-handed dunk — drawing the foul and sending the crowd into chaos.
The and-one gave Indiana a 70-68 lead. Reneau calmly sank the free throw, and a last-second heave from Michigan State fell short, giving the Hoosiers a signature 71-68 victory.
“This is what we live for,” Reneau said after the game. “I saw the lane open, trusted my instincts, and just went for it. I wasn’t thinking — I was reacting. And it paid off.”
A Turning Point for Reneau and the Hoosiers
The performance marked a turning point not only for Reneau, who finished with 22 points and 9 rebounds, but also for a Hoosiers squad still finding its identity under new leadership. With the Big Ten standings tightly packed, the win over Michigan State could prove critical for Indiana’s NCAA Tournament seeding.
“Malik put this team on his back tonight,” said teammate Mackenzie Mgbako. “He’s growing into the kind of leader we need — someone who wants the ball when the game’s on the line.”
The fans roared as the final buzzer sounded, showering the floor with chants of “Malik! Malik!” — a rare moment of sheer electricity for a fan base hungry for a return to national prominence.
DeVries Drops a Bombshell
However, just moments after the euphoric win, Head Coach Darian DeVries added an unexpected twist to the night’s storyline with a shocking postgame announcement: he revealed that Reneau will be entering the 2025 NBA Draft following the conclusion of the season — a decision the player and coaching staff had apparently reached earlier this week but kept under wraps until now.
“Malik and I had a long conversation over the weekend,” DeVries said. “He’s ready — mentally, physically, and emotionally — to take that next step. He’s earned this opportunity. While we’re going to miss him, we’ll support him 100% as he prepares for the NBA.”
The room fell into stunned silence, followed by murmurs of disbelief.
“I didn’t expect him to say it tonight,” Reneau admitted later. “But yeah, this is my last ride at Indiana. And I want to make it count.”
A Mixed Emotional Reaction
Fans were both thrilled by the win and bittersweet over the announcement.
“I’m proud of him, but also gutted,” said longtime IU supporter Karen Littrell. “You could tell he was turning into something special. We’re going to miss that fire next season.”
Social media exploded with praise and reflection. Former Hoosier stars like Victor Oladipo and Cody Zeller even chimed in, congratulating Reneau on his decision and encouraging him to “finish strong.”
The Road Ahead
With Reneau’s NBA future now public, the Hoosiers will look to harness the momentum and push forward through the final stretch of the season. At 18-7, Indiana is on the bubble of a top-six seed in the NCAA Tournament, and Tuesday night’s win could be the signature victory the selection committee notices.
Coach DeVries remains focused, even amid the swirl of emotions.
“We’ve got more to do,” he said. “Malik’s future is bright, but so is this team’s. If we keep playing like this, we can do something special.”
As the crowd poured out of the arena, still buzzing from the night’s events, one thing was clear: Malik Reneau gave Hoosier Nation a night to remember — and left them with one final mission to cheer for.