BREAKING: Xavier Johnson hardship waiver approved, returning to Indiana

The Indiana basketball program announced on Wednesday that senior point guard Xavier Johnson has been approved for his medical hardship waiver. He will be retuning to Indiana for the 2023-24 season.

Johnson suffered a broken foot on Dec. 17 after playing just nine minutes against Kanas. He would miss the reminder of the season.

Johnson played and started 11 games and averaged 9.9 points and 4.9 assists per game.

In 2021-23, Johnson averaged 12.1 points and 5.1 assists per game.

Xavier Johnson has played in 45 games (45 starts) for Indiana. He’s averaged 11.6 points per game and 5.0 assists across two seasons. He’s shot 38 percent from three in 2.7 attempts per game for his IU career.

In five seasons between Pitt and Indiana, Johnson has played in 129 games (126 starts).

Below is the full release from the Indiana basketball program:

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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