Welcome to “That’s A Wrap,” our player-by-player recap of the 2022-23 Indiana Hoosiers. At the moment: Miller Kopp. Beforehand: CJ Gunn, Kaleb Banks, Jalen Hood-Schifino, Malik Reneau, Trey Galloway, Jordan Geronimo, Logan Duncomb, Tamar Bates, Anthony Leal, Miller Kopp.
Johnson (11 video games): 9.9 factors, 4.9 assists, 3.3 rebounds and 41.5 FG% in 25.2 minutes per sport.
The 2022-23 season was presupposed to be Xavier Johnson’s final of his school profession, and it could be a season the place the Hoosiers wanted him current in all points. They wanted his athleticism, management and ability on the level guard place, as he was anticipated to be the operating mate for incoming freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino.
The sport plan going into the season was for each Johnson and Hood-Schifino to be Indiana’s major ball handlers. Johnson’s first season in Bloomington had its ups and downs, however at preseason media day Mike Woodson mentioned he noticed how Johnson grew up and matured over the summer season.
Johnson was able to have an enormous, breakout season like others on his workforce.
And to start with, it appeared like that was the trajectory he was on. In Indiana’s win towards Xavier in November, Johnson scored 23 factors and grabbed seven rebounds in 29 minutes. He was certainly one of Indiana’s prime offensive contributors whereas additionally taking part in sturdy protection.
The sport wasn’t with out flaws for Johnson, after all, as he was known as for a technical foul and made different questionable and sporadic choices on each ends of the ground. However on the entire, hopes had been excessive for Johnson to have an excellent season.
Johnson continued to play solidly, sharing time with Hood-Schifino as anticipated, bringing management, vitality and strong contributions to the ground. Throughout Indiana’s win over Jackson State, he scored 16 factors with 4-for-8 taking pictures from past the arc, and adopted that efficiency up by scoring 20 factors towards North Carolina.
Indiana’s non-conference schedule confirmed Johnson may very well be the second or third main scorer behind Trayce Jackson-Davis and/or Hood-Schifino. And regardless of not at all times making probably the most optimum choices on the court docket, his presence was valued nonetheless.
However then, on December 17 towards Kansas, Johnson went down with a foot damage. He returned to the bench with crutches and a strolling boot, which appeared bleak from the beginning. It was quickly confirmed Johnson had damaged his foot, however after surgical procedure, this system was hopeful he might return earlier than the season was over.
Nonetheless, as extra time glided by with little to no updates of Johnson’s standing, the percentages of the senior returning acquired slimmer and slimmer. In March, Indiana introduced Johnson wouldn’t be returning, and as an alternative would apply for a medical hardship waiver to return to play for another yr as a Hoosier.
With out Johnson, Hood-Schifino was left as Indiana’s solely actual level guard, and Johnson’s absence was obvious at occasions. When Indiana wanted a spark or if Hood-Schifino was struggling, Johnson might, at one level, have been the individual to step up. Johnson wasn’t essentially a “make or break” participant, however the query of what Indiana’s season might have appeared like with him wholesome and accessible nonetheless stays.
Now, that query has an opportunity to be answered. Indiana introduced the NCAA authorised Johnson’s medical hardship waiver on April 26, and Johnson is predicted to as soon as once more be positioned in that place to begin guard position.
The Hoosiers might be transforming their model — and beginning lineup — as Jackson-Davis and Hood-Schifino each declared for the NBA draft, and Race Thompson and Miller Kopp graduated. Incoming freshman Gabe Cupps will possible be Johnson’s backup on the level guard spot, and with transfers like Kel’el Ware and Anthony Walker are anticipated to contribute to Indiana’s frontcourt and will subsequently be prime beneficiaries of Johnson’s play.
Backside Line: If he can keep wholesome, Johnson is probably much more prepared for an enormous season than he was one yr in the past. He’s been ready on the sidelines, desperate to get again into the sport. Whereas harm, he nonetheless demonstrated sturdy management and was constantly contributing no matter he might from the bench. Johnson confirmed promise to start with of the 2022-23 season, and if he can carry that very same perspective and method again subsequent season he might be an enormous think about Indiana’s success.
Quotable: “We’re very completely satisfied for Xavier and his household and might’t wait to have him be a key member of our program, subsequent season. I do know this yr was difficult for him, however he introduced a optimistic perspective daily and I imagine he’ll carry an excellent deal to our workforce subsequent season due to the adversity he has confronted.” – Mike Woodson after Johnson’s medical hardship waiver was granted.
Filed to: Xavier Johnson
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