CJ Gunn Exudes Confidence in Increased Minutes With Trey Galloway Out

CJ Gunn didn't play on Friday at Xavier, but he did a bit of everything in 22 minutes against Miami of Ohio on Sunday. He was ready to play and exude confidence not always common in freshmen, and that's all coach Mike Woodson asks.

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – With Indiana guard Trey Galloway out on Sunday against Miami of Ohio, 22 bench minutes were up for the taking. 

"As far as Gallo, he's just banged up," Woodson said. "He twisted his knee the other night at Xavier, and we're just being cautious to make sure he is okay."

For Woodson, who's admittedly still tinkering with rotations on a deep and talented team, he simply wants guys to be ready when their name is called. In the first half, that was CJ Gunn. 

Indiana Hoosiers guard CJ Gunn (11) shoots a three-pointer against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks in the second half of the Hoosier Classic on Sunday, Nov. 20, 2022. at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. Indiana Hoosiers defeated the Miami (Oh) Redhawks 86-56 :: Lee Klafczynski/for IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK

Despite playing zero minutes during Indiana's 81-79 win at Xavier on Friday, Gunn exuded confidence and comfort in his hometown during Indiana's 86-56 win over Miami of Ohio at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis. 

Gunn entered the game with 11:32 in the first half, snatched two steals, grabbed a rebound, swatted a shot and assisted Trayce Jackson-Davis in transition. Gunn missed his only 3-point attempt in the first half, but his contributions were rewarded with a second run in the first half.

"I'm trying to win basketball games," Woodson said. "And I'm going to play the guys that I think I can win with, and [Gunn] has been a part of us winning."

These @IndianaMBB freshmen are so good. @MalikReneau ➡️ @CJ_Gunn22 pic.twitter.com/TCbpAi2fMD

— Indiana On BTN (@IndianaOnBTN) November 21, 2022

Gunn's final stat's don't jump off the page – five points on 2-for-7 shooting with two assists, two steals, a rebound and a block in 18 minutes – but he possesses an important trait that can be hard to find in some freshmen. Confidence.

During Indiana's 4-0 start, plus minutes in two exhibition games, Gunn has never been hesitant to look for his shot. He's active on the defensive end with long arms and always brings energy. On Sunday, he burst past the Miami defense for a slam dunk in transition and stepped into a smooth 3-pointer for back-to-back buckets in the second half. 

Gunn's role could be limited as the season progresses due to Indiana's depth, but efforts like Sunday will help Gunn carve out a role, showing he's ready when called upon. And that's all Woodson can ask for. 

"I've got faith and I believe in everybody that's wearing that uniform," Woodson said. "So, hey, just stay ready. That's all I can tell our guys that are coming off the bench. Be ready to play."

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