Indiana has secured another scholarship player for the 2025-26 season in 6’4” guard Aleksa Ristic. Ristic is set to compete with the Serbian U20 team this summer before joining the Hoosiers, and his commitment now leaves just one scholarship spot open. Last season, while playing in Serbia’s top league, he averaged 13.8 points, 4.2 assists, and 3.3 rebounds per game, while also hitting 38.6% of his 3-point attempts. With his dynamic playmaking abilities and exceptional long-range shooting, it’s clear why Darian DeVries and his staff convinced him to join Indiana—even without a campus visit.
As the starting point guard for Serbia’s national team, Aleksa Ristic stood out with his effectiveness in high ball screen situations—often using the screener to generate space for drives or pull-up threes, particularly when switched onto a bigger defender. While he doesn’t possess explosive quickness off the dribble, Ristic leverages his 6’4” frame well, creating separation and shooting over smaller guards once he gains a step.
He’s also comfortable playing off the ball and shoots the three well enough (38.6%) to demand defensive attention on the perimeter. With four years of college eligibility remaining, Ristic offers long-term potential as a developmental piece. Still, his three seasons of professional experience suggest he may be able to contribute sooner than expected—especially with translatable skills like his shooting and decision-making in the pick-and-roll.
Considering Indiana’s scholarship situation, Ristic’s background likely made him an appealing target for head coach Darian DeVries. Before his commitment, the Hoosiers had two open scholarships while awaiting NCAA rulings on waiver appeals for Luke Goode and Anthony Leal. Using one now signals that DeVries may not be counting on both appeals being approved.
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