INDIANAPOLIS — Vaughn Karvala arrived to Indiana basketball as the highest-rated signee of the 2026 recruiting class, but he did not get to make his preseason debut Sunday night in a 96-68 exhibition win over Butler.
That's a second straight did-not-play for the freshman from Oregon, Wisconsin. Karvala also missed IU's Cream & Crimson scrimmage on Oct. 4. IU coach Darian DeVries said Sunday that Karvala was held out due to precautionary reasons with a lower-body injury.
Whatever the ailment may be, Karvala went through pregame warmups as normal. He leaped and landed seemingly without issue working on cuts to the rim from various angles. He also was pure on his 3-point shot from the wings.
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This summer, Karvala said he wanted to get stronger. IU listed him at 6 foot 8, 185 pounds on its preseason roster. He played three years in high school in suburban Madison before playing his senior season at Bella Vista Prep in Arizona. He left as a four-star recruit rated No. 69 in the 247Sports composite rankings. As a junior he averaged 26.7 points (.496/.389/.738), 9.8 rebounds, 3.8 assists (3 turnovers), 2.2 blocks, 1.6 steals.
Not only will he add depth to the Hoosiers when healthy, but he gives them a different dynamic in the lineup. IU started Darren Harris (6-5) and Jaeden Mustaf (6-6), then brought Bryce Lindsay (6-4) off the bench. Scale up and its the 7-footers in Aiden Sherrell (7-0) and Samet Yigitoglu (7-2) with Sam Alexis (6-9) to handle the frontcourt − all listed 240 pounds or heavier.
Combining with fellow freshman Trevor Manhertz, standing 6-9, 185 pounds, Karvala can provide the Hoosiers quickness on the wing and length to bring versatility on both ends of the floor. Manhertz scored seven points on 2-of-6 shooting (2 for 5 on 3s) and grabbed eight rebounds across 20 minutes.
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The coaching staff is high on Manhertz after what he showed over the summer. Add in Karvala once he's cleared and the freshmen tandem brings a rangy depth.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Why Indiana basketball freshman didn't play in exhibition vs Butler, what he showed in warmups