Indiana Basketball Hires Pacers Executive Ryan Carr in New Role
– Indiana University is set to hire Ryan Carr, a longtime executive with the Indiana Pacers, as executive director of basketball, a position described as a general manager-type role for the program.
The move, first reported by the Indianapolis Star, brings a seasoned NBA veteran back to his alma mater. Carr is an Indiana University alumnus and previously served as a student manager for the basketball team under legendary coach Bob Knight.
For more than 20 years, Carr has held various player personnel and scouting positions with the Indiana Pacers, most recently as senior vice president of player personnel. His experience includes roles as director of scouting and vice president of player personnel, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of all facets of basketball operations at the professional level.
The hiring signals a significant shift in how Indiana approaches its basketball program, mirroring a trend across college basketball. As the landscape of collegiate athletics evolves with the introduction of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and potential revenue sharing for players, programs are increasingly looking to professionalize their roster development and retention strategies. The need for a general manager-type role has become increasingly apparent, as highlighted in recent discussions within the sport.
Indiana head coach Darian DeVries had expressed interest in adding a GM to his staff during his first months on the job last spring. He told the IndyStar that the program was “looking into” establishing the position, recognizing its importance in navigating the complexities of modern college basketball.
Carr’s appointment is expected to be crucial in helping DeVries build a competitive program in Bloomington. His deep understanding of player evaluation, scouting, and contract negotiation will be invaluable as Indiana navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by the changing college basketball landscape.
The addition of Carr reflects a growing recognition that success in college basketball now requires more than just exceptional coaching. Navigating NIL, player contracts, and the intricacies of roster building demands a specialized skillset, leading programs to adopt structures more akin to those found in the NBA, as noted by Field House Files.
Indiana’s decision to create this executive director of basketball position places it among a growing number of programs recognizing the need for a dedicated general manager to oversee all aspects of the basketball operation. The move underscores the university’s commitment to providing DeVries with the resources necessary to compete at the highest level.
