Hummel Names McDermott as Top Candidate for Indiana Job

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — As the search for a new head coach at Indiana University intensifies, former Purdue standout Robbie Hummel shared his thoughts on a potential candidate during a recent interview. Hummel, a three-time All-Big Ten player and current college basketball analyst, expressed his support for Greg McDermott, the head coach at Creighton University.

During an interview with college basketball reporter Jeff Goodman, Hummel praised McDermott’s offensive strategy and coaching style, saying, “I like [Greg] McDermott… I love their offense. It’s modern. They shoot a ton of threes. He’s won with – not that Creighton has bad resources, but less resources than what Indiana has. He’s a really good coach.” Hummel also highlighted McDermott’s character, stating that his demeanor fits well with the Indiana program.

Goodman responded, expressing doubts about McDermott’s willingness to leave Creighton, noting, “To me, I think it would be hard for him to leave Creighton at the end of the day. You know, like, they love him there. He’s done a ton. He’s got a great quality of life.” This exchange comes as Indiana looks to reboot its basketball program following an underwhelming season.

McDermott, who has been with Creighton for 15 seasons, has enjoyed a successful tenure. Recently, he led the Bluejays to their first Big East regular season title in 2019-20 and has since guided the team to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances, including a coveted Elite Eight run. Currently, Creighton boasts a 20-8 overall record and sits in second place in the Big East, trailing St. John’s by two games.

The Bluejays have consistently excelled under McDermott, placing in the top four of Big East standings for eight consecutive seasons. Notably, Creighton has been recognized nationally for its shooting efficiency, ranking top 10 in effective field goal percentage in eight of the past 15 seasons. The program has also led the nation in this statistic twice, demonstrating its commitment to a modern offensive style.

As McDermott prepares for the upcoming season, he faces potential roster changes with the graduation of key players including All-Big East center Ryan Kalkbrenner and top scorers Steven Ashworth and Jamiya Neal. Speculation about his future has surrounded McDermott in recent years, especially as he was considered a candidate for positions at Louisville and Ohio State before Creighton responded with a four-year contract extension through the 2027-28 season.

“There is no place I would rather be for the rest of my career than Creighton,” McDermott stated in a news release, emphasizing his commitment to the program.