Returning IU basketball players to watch By Emma Pawlitz
epawlitz@iu.edu | @emmapawlitz
In today’s landscape of college basketball, players who opt out of the NBA draft after their first two years or choose to ignore the option of the transfer portal are a rarity. These Indiana men’s and women’s basketball players had the option to leave Bloomington, whether it was to play professionally or at a different school, but decided to remain Hoosiers. All of these players were instrumental in the success of their respective teams, so their offseason decisions made for incredible news to the Hoosier faithful. The 2022-2023 basketball season is shaping up to be one for the books for both the men’s and women’s teams. Race Thompson Thompson, who is returning to Indiana in his sixth season with the program, was a vital part of the team’s success last year. Dubbed a “glue guy” by his teammates, fans and members of the media, his consistency, effort and leadership hold the team together. Thompson was second on the team last season in rebounds per game, with 7.5, and field goal percentage, at 53.6%. His average of 11.1 points per game was a career best, and he notched double-figure scoring 23 times during the 2021-2022 campaign. Beyond the numbers, Thompson has an invaluable presence on the court. His hustle plays on defense, patience on offense and smart decisions on both sides of the floor make him an irreplaceable part of the Hoosiers’ puzzle. He has been a team captain since 2020 and is bound to serve as a role model for Indiana’s four incoming freshmen
Xavier Johnson Indiana’s point guard uncertainties were an issue during the first half of the 2021-2022 season, but Johnson’s takeover as the primary facilitator in the latter half sparked a breakout for the fifth-year senior that fans hope will continue into his final year. Johnson’s offensive production exploded at the end of the season – his scoring average went up almost 5 points per game from the beginning of February until the end of the season. Johnson’s confidence is one of his biggest assets, and his improved 3-point shooting, savvy moves around the basket and pesky defense played huge roles in Indiana’s postseason push into March Madness. Given his performance at the end of last season, Johnson is almost guaranteed to start in the point guard position next year, continuing to provide defensive lockdowns and offensive sparks.
IDS FILE PHOTO BY ALEX PAUL
Then-junior guard Xavier Johnson lays in a basket March 17, 2022, at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
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