Mike Woodson Gives Injury Updates on Kel'el Ware, Kaleb Banks, Anthony Walker
MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. – A trio of Hoosiers are dealing with injuries as the 2023-24 season approaches.
Oregon transfer Kel'el Ware did not participate in the NBA Pro Day Friday at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall. This appears to be a precautionary measure, as Indiana coach Mike Woodson said Ware returned to action Monday.
"He took a blow to the shoulder, and after seeing the doctors we decided to hold him," Woodson said Tuesday. "This happened the scrimmage right before pro day, which was the day before, and we decided to keep him out. So he's back on the floor now, limited contact, but he's going through the drills and all of that right now."
Ware figures to step into a starting role at center following the departure of first-team All-American Trayce Jackson-Davis. Ware was a top-10 recruit nationally and McDonald's All-American in the high school class of 2022, but he had an underwhelming freshman season. He averaged 6.6 points at Oregon and saw his role diminish, but many still consider Ware a potential first-round NBA Draft pick due to his potential at 7-feet tall.
Miami transfer Anthony Walker, a 6-foot-8 senior forward, has also been in and out of practice.
"Well, Walker tweaked his ankle," Woodson said. "He was back on the floor yesterday with no contact. "
Walker transferred to Indiana after four seasons at Miami. As a sophomore in 2020-21, he started 16 games and averaged 9.6 points and 4.7 rebounds per game, but his role diminished as a junior and senior.
The third Hoosier working his way back from injury is Kaleb Banks, a 6-foot-8 sophomore forward.
"Kaleb Banks had a groin pull," Woodson said. "So he's been kind of slow."
Banks committed to Indiana out of Fayette County High School in Hampton, Ga., as a four-star recruit, ranked No. 92 in the nation. He played a limited role as a freshman, appearing in 26 total games and logging double-digit minutes just five times.
But after Indiana lost six rotation players, Banks has a chance to contribute as a sophomore. Despite being listed as a forward, Banks showed some guard skills in high school, being able to handle the ball, drive to the basket and shoot from beyond the arc. His impact was mainly felt on defense and rebounding as a freshman, but Indiana hopes he can develop into a versatile option.
Fortunately for Indiana, none of these injuries appear to be serious. Woodson said he thinks all three will be ready to go by Indiana's first exhibition game on Oct. 29 against the University of Indianapolis.
"It's a part of it. You get injuries, little nicks and bruises here and there, but we just got to continue to grind until we get a solid nine to ten players – however I'm going to see fit to play guys – healthy and ready to go."
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