DES MOINES, Iowa — Robert Johnson looked back to his old self during IU’s practice Wednesday.
Ahead of IU’s first round NCAA Tournament against Chattanooga on Thursday, the sophomore guard participated in every drill without any mobility limitations.
He hasn’t played in IU’s last four games due to a high ankle sprain he suffered near the end of IU’s 73-69 win against Purdue on Feb. 20.
“Robert is doing more, I would say right now he is definitely probable as long as things continue to move in the direction that they're moving right now,” IU Coach Tom Crean said. “His first time doing anything full court nature was yesterday.”
Right now there isn’t anything in particular Johnson is worried with about his ankle. He’s not concerned about his defensive responsibilities, or what might happen when he cuts to the basket off the ankle he sprained about a month ago.
He said he can’t say if he’s back to 100 percent because he hasn’t played in a game yet, but he’s about as close as possible.
“These last two couple days I’ve been back practicing 100 percent with the live action and things like that,” Johnson said. "It’s been good for me. I haven’t been any more sore than I’d usually be so I’m definitely making strides.”
He said he felt he could have played in IU’s Big Ten Tournament loss against Michigan last Friday, but the training staff held him out to not risk any further injury.
Since then, Johnson has been working with the training staff trying to make sure there is no doubt he will play Thursday, and no risk of re-injury.
“The trainers and doctors have done a good job of preparing me for game like movements and things like that,” Johnson said. “I don’t think they would put me out there if there’s anything that could be a liability, so I’m 100 percent comfortable.”
Freshman forward Juwan Morgan also participated fully in practice Wednesday. He’s had trouble keeping his shoulder in its socket the past month, and now wears a brace whenever he plays or practices. But he’s still expected to play Thursday night.
One Hoosier whose status is a little more uncertain is junior forward Collin Hartman. After falling and landing on his wrist in IU’s loss against Michigan, Hartman was limited in practice Wednesday.
He wore a long sleeve shirt underneath his practice jersey, with something wrapping his right wrist peeking out beneath the long sleeve shirt.
Hartman didn’t attempt a jump shot during practice, but participated in every other part of practice and looked like he didn’t have any limitations.
“Collin certainly has some lingering affects from falling the other day, but he's been available to us as well,” Crean said.
