Indiana men’s basketball guard Xavier Johnson has been granted an extra year of eligibility and will return to play for the Hoosiers in 2023-24.
Johnson was granted a medical hardship waiver for the 2022-23 season by the NCAA on Wednesday, according to IU Athletics, after suffering a foot injury against the University of Kansas on Dec. 7, 2022, which ended his season.
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In 11 games before the injury, Johnson averaged 9.9 points and 4.9 assists. He was honorable mention All-Big Ten in 2021-22 after averaging 12.1 points and 5.1 assists.
“We are very happy for Xavier and his family and can’t wait to have him be a key member of our program, next season,” head coach Mike Woodson said in a release. “I know this year was challenging for him, but he brought a positive attitude every day and I believe he will bring a great deal to our team next season because of the adversity he has faced.”
Johnson’s return provides an instant boost to Indiana’s roster for next season. The Hoosiers already lost a starting guard in freshman Jalen Hood-Schifino, who declared for the NBA Draft. Johnson, who will return for his sixth season and third at Indiana, will be a veteran leader to run the offense.
