Indiana basketball guard Trey Galloway progressing nicely from surgery with ‘unfinished business’ ahead

A loud cheer roared out from the Indiana basketball crowd inside Assembly Hall last March when senior guard Trey Galloway announced he would be using his covid year and return to Bloomington for a fifth season in 2024-25.

Galloway, who has been a fan favorite since he arrived on campus five years ago, has been part of a coaching change, injuries, multiple teammates and multiple changes in his role.

But, this summer is likely the most physically — and mentally — taxing few months of his career. Galloway suffered a knee injury on Senior Day against Michigan State which forced him to miss the remainder of the season, ultimately leading to surgery in the spring.

“I’ve dealt with it a lot,” Galloway said earlier this summer. “I’ve already missed a summer before with my groin. I’ve had, definitely, some tough blows. My wrist and stuff, too. And now this, obviously. It’s really challenging just because you want to be out there with your teammates.”

But there could be a positive return on the horizon — and as soon as next week.

“He’s been doing a lot of our conditioning work,” Woodson said of Galloway at IU’s media day on Wednesday.  “He’s not on the floor doing 5-on-5 work, physical contact, but he’s done drills and stuff of that nature. W’re bringing him along slowly … We’re hoping next week he’s able to (get on the floor) bang a little bit.”

A return to action next week is ideal timing for a roster that brings in seven new players. While there are key returners from last year’s roster, having a key cog like Galloway miss significant time on the floor this summer has been a setback.

However, the fifth-year guard knew there was no second chance if he were to rush back. So taking it slow was the recipe for success — despite how challenging that was.

“It’s been a long process, but a good one,” Galloway said on Wednesday. “I’ve had a lot of time to ease into things. You don’t want to rush anything and come back too soon. Taking my time with it, and making sure I’m strong and 100% back to where I was.”

Galloway averaged 10.8 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.8 assists per game last season playing the main ball handler and only true playmaker on the roster. He became one of four Indiana basketball players with three games of 11+ assists in a career, joining Isiah Thomas, Jamal Meeks and Michael Lewis, doing so all in the last six games he played. He ranked ninth in the Big Ten in assists per game and assist rate. He also ranked ninth in assist to turnover ratio while also playing at least 30 minutes a game.

“With knees it’s never smooth,” Galloway added. “There are going to be times where you want to speed up the process, because it’s a long process. I’ve gotten better and improved at a good rate but at times it’s been challenging.”

Joining Galloway in the backcourt is the most talent he’s playing alongside in his Indiana career. Myles Rice and Kanaan Carlyle come from the transfer portal — two double-digit scorers a season ago — and Luke Goode and Bryson Tucker add shooting and playmaking on the wing, respectively.

“I’m very optimistic,” Galloway said about the roster this year. “We have the pieces we need. We put this team together for a reason so it comes down to us molding together and doing the right things and taking it day by day and getting better day by day.”

So for Galloway, when the question was asked about why another year at Indiana? No hesitation and he didn’t mince words.

“Being home, this is where I call home,” Galloway said. “Having some unfinished business to take care of.”

SEE ALSO: ‘You want a shot at it’: Mike Woodson facing high expectations head on with Indiana basketball — He also has his best roster yet to achieve them.

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