Indiana’s razor thin point guard depth could get a boost on Sunday evening in Minneapolis.
Senior Rob Phinisee is warming up with his teammates and appears ready to at least attempt to play as IU takes on Minnesota at Williams Arena. IU Athletics later confirmed Phinisee is expected to play. On his pre-game radio interview, head coach Mike Woodson indicated Phinisee might not play a major role in his first game back, however.
The Hoosiers have played with only Xavier Johnson available at point guard over the last couple games.
Out since suffering a plantar fascia injury on Jan. 26, Phinisee could give IU a boost against the Golden Gophers. I the first meeting on Jan. 9 he made four 3-pointers and had 13 points, 4 assists and no turnovers.
Phinisee is arguably Indiana’s best on-ball defender, helping the second-unit to be highly effective on that end of the floor. His per-40 minute steals and blocked shots this season are both career highs.
A back-up for the first time in 2021-22, Phinisee is averaging the lowest minutes per game of his career with 19.5 per contest. He is averaging 5.1 points, 2.0 assists and 2.6 rebounds in those minutes while shooting a career-low 31.7 percent from the field overall. His three-point percentage of 29.6 percent is an improvement over last season.
Sophomore guard Trey Galloway continues to deal with a groin injury and will not play on Sunday. Fellow sophomore Khristian Lander is in uniform but not expected to play.
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