Indiana junior forward Hanner Mosquera-Perea will be sidelined indefinitely after suffering a right knee injury in practice yesterday, per a release from the team.
“There is no question this is a blow to Hanner and definitely a blow to our team,” Indiana coach Tom Crean said. “He does a lot for us. The important thing right now is Hanner’s recovery and rehabilitation.”
“He has made a lot of strides this season and we are disappointed for him, but expect him to come back stronger than ever.”
Mosquera-Perea has started all 16 of Indiana’s games this season and has averaged 7.4 points and 5.0 rebounds in 20.9 minutes per game. He had his first career double-double on New Year’s Eve against Nebraska when he recorded 12 points and 10 rebounds in the Hoosiers’ 70-65 victory.
“With Hanner out, we will need everyone ready to do a little more,” Crean said. “We need to continue our focus on rebounding, defense and all the little things it takes to be successful. We are not a team where you define a player by his position.”
“We will have five basketball players out there who understand that our court awareness has to be at an all-time high. I expect our players will be up for the challenge.”
Indiana’s next game is Tuesday at 7 p.m. against Penn State (12-4, 0-3).
Andy Wittry 