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“Looking Back, Leaving Indiana Was a Step Up” – Ex-Hoosiers Star Aljami Durham Throws Major Shade at His Former Program, Raising Eyebrows with Bold Remarks
Former Indiana Hoosiers guard Aljami Durham has caused a stir in the college basketball world with his latest comments about his departure from Bloomington, claiming that moving on from Indiana was a “step up” for him. His bold remarks have raised eyebrows among Hoosiers fans and sparked debate over his time with the program.
Durham, who played four seasons at Indiana before transferring to Providence for his final year, was a key contributor during his time with the Hoosiers. However, in a recent interview, he reflected on his decision to leave and suggested that his transfer was ultimately the best move for his career.
“Looking back, leaving Indiana was a step up,” Durham said. “It was the right decision at the right time. I was able to grow in ways that wouldn’t have been possible if I had stayed.”
His comments have sparked mixed reactions from Indiana fans, many of whom supported him throughout his time in Bloomington. Some view his remarks as a slight toward the Hoosiers program, while others acknowledge that the move to Providence helped him take on a bigger role and gain valuable experience.
During his tenure at Indiana, Durham was known for his leadership and steady play, but the team struggled to achieve consistent success. The Hoosiers failed to make the NCAA Tournament in his four years, leading to frustration among fans and players alike. His transfer to Providence coincided with Indiana’s coaching change, as Archie Miller was replaced by Mike Woodson—a move that many hoped would turn the program around.
At Providence, Durham thrived as a veteran leader, helping guide the Friars to a Big East title and a deep NCAA Tournament run in 2022. His success there has fueled speculation that his departure was not just about personal growth, but also about dissatisfaction with the direction of the Hoosiers program at the time.
Indiana basketball has yet to respond to Durham’s remarks, but his comments have reignited discussions about the program’s struggles in the late 2010s and whether player development under the previous coaching staff was a factor in his decision to leave. Some fans argue that his transfer was simply part of the evolving college basketball landscape, where players seek the best opportunities, while others feel his words diminish the support he received in Bloomington.
As Indiana continues to rebuild under Woodson, and Durham moves forward with his professional career, his remarks serve as a reminder of the challenges the Hoosiers faced in recent years. Whether his departure truly was a “step up” remains a matter of perspective, but one thing is clear—his comments have ensured that Indiana fans won’t forget his exit anytime soon.
