3 Indiana transfers returning amid coaching change

Khristian Lander, Jordan Geronimo, and Parker Stewart all announced their intentions to enter the transfer portal within two weeks of Indiana firing head coach Archie Miller on March 15.

Less than a month later, each Hoosier announced they will return to Indiana following the hiring of star alumnus Mike Woodson.

Stewart was the first of the trio to recommit to the school on March 31. He transferred from UT Martin during the season following the tragic passing of his father Anthony, who was the team's head coach. Stewart has yet to suit up for Indiana after averaging 19.2 points per game for the Skyhawks in 2019-20.

"(Indiana University) gave me a home when I needed it the most after the passing of my father, and I look forward to staying and putting on my jersey at this prestigious university," Stewart said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Lander may be the most significant player to announce his return. Although the 6-foot-2 guard only averaged 2.1 points per game last season as a freshman, he was ranked as the top recruit from the state of Indiana in 2020.

"I want to be one of the reasons Indiana basketball gets back to being great again," said Lander. "I'm putting my trust into my team, coach Woodson, and the staff he is assembling."

Lastly, Geronimo is the most unknown of the bunch. The former four-star recruit only played 8.1 minutes per game as a freshman, but he showed flashes of talent and is a prospect worth monitoring.

While the move to hire the 63-year-old Woodson was originally met with criticism, the former NBA head man's ability to convince the three underclassmen to stay in Bloomington bodes well for the program's future.