Indiana’s hopes of contending at the top of the Big Ten in the 2023-24 season got a boost Wednesday when the school announced point guard Xavier Johnson had received a medical hardship waiver that will allow him to return for one more season with the Hoosiers.
Johnson, the team’s starting point guard in all 45 games he has played at Indiana, suffered a season-ending foot fracture in the first half of a December 17 road game at Kansas. Because the injury didn’t occur until the 11th game of the season, there was some uncertainty based on NCAA rules as to whether Johnson’s waiver would be approved. But ultimately, Johnson was officially cleared to return for a sixth season of college basketball, the school announced in a press release.
"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," Indiana coach Mike Woodson said. "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."
