Fran McCaffery offers update on Josh Dix, Josh Ogundele before Indiana game

Iowa is in desperate need of a win, currently in the midst of a three-game losing streak. After a two-game road trip, the Hawkeyes will be returning home for a showdown with the Indiana Hoosiers. Prior to tip-off, head coach Fran McCaffery was able to provide an injury update on a couple of players.

First up was Josh Dix, where McCaffery seemed confident he would play on Thursday night. The decision will ultimately be made just before the game but solid progress is being made.

“I think Josh will be fine,” McCaffery said on Wednesday. “He did not practice yesterday. He’ll do a little more today. I think he’ll be a go for the game. But it will be a decision made tomorrow.”

Dix is a freshman guard out of Council Bluffs, IA, being a former three-star prospect. He has appeared in 12 games this season for Iowa, averaging two points and a rebound per game.

Junior forward Josh Ogundele did not receive as fortunate news, with McCaffery saying he will not be good to go. Another role player the Hawkeyes will be without in the Big Ten clash.

“He will not be, no,” McCaffery said.

Iowa forward Patrick McCaffery taking leave of absence from program

The Iowa Hawkeyes will be without junior forward Patrick McCaffery for a time while he takes care of his mental health and anxiety. McCaffery released a statement explaining his current issues and how they have affected him on the court for the Hawkeyes, revealing that his absence from the court did not have a specific time frame attached to it.

“I have been battling anxiety for a while, and recently it has peaked, which has inhibited my preparation and performance on the court,” said McCaffery in his statement. “It’s not fair to myself or teammates to be on the court when I am not myself. The anxiety has affected my sleep, appetite, and stamina, which has resulted in not having the energy level necessary to compete at my full capabilities.

“My struggle with anxiety affects every aspect of my well-being and makes it incredibly difficult to function normally. This is what I am battling right now. For this reason, I am taking an indefinite leave to address my situation. It might be two games, it may be four games, it may be more, but I will return when I feel like myself. My leave of absence is not related to my past battle with cancer.”