IU's Phinisee dealing with plantar fasciitis, won't play at Maryland
BLOOMINGTON – Senior guard Rob Phinisee won’t be available for IU’s game Saturday at Maryland, but Phinisee’s injury also does not appear to be season-ending.
Coach Mike Woodson confirmed during a Zoom call Friday that Phinisee, who left during the first half of Wednesday’s win against Penn State and did not return, won’t be able to play Saturday. Phinisee is dealing with plantar fasciitis, a painful condition involving tissue inflammation in the foot.
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“He could possibly be day-to-day,” Woodson said, suggesting Phinisee’s status will depend upon the progression of his treatment. Following Saturday’s game, Indiana has a week off before hosting Illinois the following weekend.
Woodson’s more immediate concern will be Maryland, a team with strong guards and a remit to drive the ball.
“That’s where their strengths are, at the point guard position, and the shooting guard,” Woodson said. “All those guys are capable of beating you off the dribble. It’s a big dribble-drive team, a big isolation time. It’s no surprise. We’ve got to defend off the dribble, and we’ve got to do it for 40 minutes.”
Backcourt depth — and in particular point guard depth — will be a concern. Phinisee is among Woodson’s most-trusted veterans and bench players, and an able foil to Xavier Johnson, IU’s starting point guard.
Johnson has proven both durable and dependable this season. He’s actually playing a higher percentage of available minutes in conference play than overall, and when he’s been able to stay out of foul trouble he has been consistently among Indiana’s leaders in minutes per game.
“I don’t go into games worrying about how many minutes,” Woodson said. “I coach based on how guys are playing as they feel.”
The Hoosiers might also be able to call on Khristian Lander on Saturday, at least in a limited capacity.
Lander has been dealing with a leg issue and has not appeared in any of IU’s eight games this calendar year. Woodson said postgame Wednesday that Lander would have played against the Nittany Lions if he had been available, following Phinisee’s injury. But while the sophomore was dressed, he could not play.
That might not be the case Saturday.
“Khristian might be available some tomorrow, in limited minutes,” Woodson said. “We’ll know more tomorrow when we get up in the morning.”
With or without Lander, Woodson will be looking for further alternatives to spell Johnson where he can in College Park (and perhaps beyond).
Indiana has looked to sophomore Trey Galloway and freshman Tamar Bates as primary ball handlers this season in certain situations. Both could see those roles expanded in the short term.
“I can play Gallo at some (point). Scoop (Bates) might have to play some (point),” Woodson said. “I don’t look at positions like that anymore. Everybody’s got to pitch in and play their part. It’s that simple.”
Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.Follow IndyStar reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana basketball's Rob Phinisee won't play in game against Maryland
