BLOOMINGTON, Ind. – Their statuses for next season were far from certain when Anthony Leal and Trey Galloway took the microphone at Simon Skjodt Assembly Hall
But on Senior Day, Indiana University basketball fans got some great news during a trying season.
Leal and Galloway both announced they would return for one more year. Both players have an extra year of eligibility due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic.
“I’ve felt a lot of emotions over the last few days,” Leal told the crowd Sunday. “And it’s really been hard. But the main thing that’s been keeping me going is knowing that I really don’t have to give this speech until next year.”
“These last four years have been the best time of my life. I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” said Galloway, who left Sunday's game with an injury. “But I don’t quite think it’s time for me to end that.”
Two other Hoosiers, Xavier Johnson and Anthony Walker, were also recognized on Senior Day.
Johnson, a Xavier transfer, had been granted an extra year of eligibility because of an injury waiver.
“It’s been a long six years,” he said. “And I would say this year was my really, really hardest one. I’m still fighting back and the only reason why I’m fighting back is because of [my teammates] behind me.”
Walker transferred from Miami and spent one season in Bloomington after playing four years for the Hurricanes.
“I haven’t been here for that long, but I’ve gotta appreciate the fans for accepting me and making me feel at home,” Walker said.
Indiana (18-13, 10-10 in Big Ten) beat Michigan State (18-13, 10-10 in Big Ten) 65-64 in their final regular season game. They finished sixth in conference play and earned a first-round bye in the Big Ten Tournament.
On Thursday, they'll play the winner of Wednesday's Michigan-Penn State game.