Sam Alexis officially landed in Peru Tuesday morning, and Indiana basketball is wasting zero time getting him into the action for the FISU America Games. A source familiar with the situation confirmed that the program plans to have him playing by Thursday’s game against the Virgin Islands. Talk about a quick turnaround!
The Former Hoosier Is Back in Action
This isn’t just some random addition; Alexis is a familiar face, a former Hoosier coming back to lend a hand. He’s fresh off a stint in the NBA Summer League, repping Oklahoma City, which means he’s been playing competitive ball. While his Summer League stats weren’t eye-popping with 3.3 points, 3.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game, those block numbers tell you he’s got defensive presence, and that’s always welcome. He’s expected to slot right into the role that SMU transfer Samet Yigitoglu is slated to fill once the regular season kicks off.
Why the Rush? Roster Gaps Force the Hand
So, why the immediate call-up for Alexis? It’s all about eligibility and roster gaps. Samet Yigitoglu, even though he’s right there practicing with the team in Peru, can’t actually represent Team USA in the FISU Games. That’s a big blow to their depth! Plus, freshman signee Clemens Sokolov, another international talent, isn’t even expected to join the squad until August. With those two key players out of commission for the event, bringing in a former player like Alexis, who’s ready and eligible, is a smart move to bolster the roster.
Indiana opens their group stage play in the FISU American Games against Peru Tuesday night. But the real buzz is building for Thursday, when Sam Alexis is set to hit the court against the Virgin Islands. Everyone will be watching to see what kind of shape he’s in and what he can bring immediately to this squad.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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