Xavier Johnson granted medical hardship waiver, will return for 2023-24 season

  • 04/26/2023 3:35 pm in

Indiana point guard Xavier Johnson has been granted a medical hardship waiver and will return to Indiana for the 2023-24 season.

The 6-foot-3 Johnson broke his foot in a loss at Kansas on Dec. 17 and underwent surgery.

There was hope he could return for the stretch run of IU’s season, but was ruled out for the remainder of the season on March 4.

“After consulting with my family, coaches and medical staff, I’ve decided to rest for the remainder of the season and will not be returning to competition,” Johnson said in a statement on March 4. “After healing my foot, my focus will be to pursue a medical hardship waiver and return to playing for the Hoosiers next season.”

Johnson’s request for the medical hardship waiver was recently granted, paving the way for his return for a sixth season of college basketball.

Over 129 career games at Indiana and Pittsburgh, Johnson has averaged 13 points, five assists and 3.7 rebounds per game.

He’s a career 40.4 percent shooter from the field and a 76.8 percent free throw shooter. The Woodbridge, Virginia native has started 126 games.

His return solidifies the point guard position for the Hoosiers as Mike Woodson prepares for his third season in Bloomington.

The Indiana roster will be retooled following the losses of Jalen Hood-Schifino, Miller Kopp, Trayce Jackson-Davis and Race Thompson.

Johnson is expected to be the starter at point guard with freshman Gabe Cupps serving as the backup.

Here’s the full release from IU:

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Indiana University senior point guard Xavier Johnson has been granted an extra year of eligibility after the NCAA approved a medical hardship waiver for the 2022-23 season.

He suffered a broken foot against Kansas on Dec. 17 and later had surgery. He started 11 games and averaged 9.9 points and 4.9 assists. He had a season-high 23 points in a win at Xavier, including seven rebounds, had 20 points and eight rebounds against North Carolina, and added 11 points and 11 assists against Arizona.

“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,” said IU Coach Mike Woodson. “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.”

In 2021-22, he earned honorable mention All-Big Ten honors after averaging 12.1 points and finishing third in the Big Ten in assists at 5.1 per game.

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