Indiana University point guard Gabe Cupps has returned to practice after a period of uncertainty surrounding his availability for the upcoming Battle 4 Atlantis tournament. Cupps, a key contributor for the Hoosiers, had been sidelined for an undisclosed amount of time, raising concerns about his participation in the high-profile early-season tournament. While Cupps is back on the court, his availability for the tournament, which begins later this month in the Bahamas, remains uncertain.

 

Cupps, a freshman from Centerville, Ohio, joined the Hoosiers as part of their 2023 recruiting class and was expected to play an important role in the team’s backcourt rotation this season. Known for his poise and leadership abilities, Cupps had the potential to complement Indiana’s other key players, including star forward Trayce Jackson-Davis and emerging guard Jalen Hood-Schifino. However, his absence from practice had raised questions about how the team would adjust without him, especially in the context of a challenging tournament like Battle 4 Atlantis.

 

The Hoosiers’ head coach, Mike Woodson, has been cautious in his updates on Cupps’ status. While the team is thrilled to have the talented point guard back on the floor, Woodson has made it clear that the decision regarding Cupps’ participation in the tournament will be based on his readiness and health. “We want to make sure Gabe is fully prepared to contribute to this team,” Woodson explained. “His health is the priority, and we’re not going to rush him into anything if he’s not 100 percent.”

 

Cupps’ absence was noticeable as the Hoosiers began their season, especially in the early games. The point guard position, crucial for orchestrating the offense and ensuring smooth ball movement, was left in the hands of other players, but the team struggled to find its rhythm without the added stability Cupps could provide. His ability to facilitate plays and his court awareness are invaluable assets for the Hoosiers, especially as they head into a challenging stretch of the season.

 

With the Battle 4 Atlantis tournament just around the corner, the Hoosiers will face off against some of the top teams in college basketball, providing an early test for a team that has high expectations this season. The tournament’s competitive field includes powerhouse programs like Kansas, Arizona, and North Carolina, making it an important opportunity for Indiana to test its mettle against elite competition.

 

If Cupps is cleared to play in Atlantis, his presence could provide a much-needed boost for the Hoosiers as they face these heavyweights. His ball-handling, leadership, and defensive tenacity are key to the team’s success, and his return to full strength would be a welcome addition. However, the coaching staff is emphasizing caution, knowing that rushing him back too soon could risk further injury or set back his development.

 

As of now, the Hoosiers will continue to monitor Cupps’ progress, and the final decision on his availability for the tournament will be made closer to game time. In the meantime, Indiana fans are hopeful that their young point guard will be able to return to form in time for the Atlantis tournament, but no official timeline has been set.

 

Cupps’ return to practice is a positive sign for the Hoosiers, but as the team prepares for what will undoubtedly be a tough competition in the Bahamas, the focus remains on ensuring that Cupps is fully prepared to contribute when the time is right.