FORT WAYNE, IN - NOVEMBER 22: James Blackmon Jr. #1 of the Indiana Hoosiers brings the ball up court during the game against the Fort Wayne Mastodons at Memorial Coliseum on November 22, 2016 in Ft. Wayne, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)Michael Hickey/Getty Images

James Blackmon Jr. Injury: Updates on Indiana Star's Leg and Recovery

Alec NathanJan 28, 2017

Indiana Hoosiers guard James Blackmon Jr. had been out since he suffered a leg injury against Michigan on Jan. 26. However, he has been cleared to return.

Continue for updates.

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Crean Comments on Blackmon's Timeline for Return

Thursday, Feb. 9

Head coach Tom Crean said Blackmon will start against Purdue on Thursday, per Zach Osterman of the Indianapolis Star.

Blackmon No Stranger to Injuries

Blackmon's sophomore season in Bloomington was cut short after he had season-ending surgery on his right knee to repair a torn ACL, but he's been firing on all cylinders to start the 2016-17 campaign.

Although he missed one game with knee soreness in late November, his talents have been on full display, as he averaged 17.6 points and 4.9 rebounds per game prior to the injury.

"James is a lot more explosive than he was," Crean said, per the News-Sentinel's Pete Diprimio (via NCAA.com). "He's playing with more force. He's playing downhill more. He's covering more ground."

With OG Anunoby sidelined indefinitely, Blackmon's return is a welcomed sight for the Hoosiers.