Hardy To Sit Out Basketball Season

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. - Indiana second team all-league and freshman All-American wide receiver James Hardy, who also saw action as a walk-on forward for the IU basketball team last season, will sit out the 2005-06 basketball campaign. After catching 61 passes for 893 yards and 10 touchdowns last fall, the 6-7, 215-pound Hardy is using this winter to rest some football injuries in order to participate in the Hoosiers' spring football drills, which begin on March 21.

Since his arrival in Bloomington in August, 2004, Hardy has been working out non-stop with either the Indiana football or basketball programs, and the wear and tear of constant competition caught up with him.

"I was planning on coming out for basketball this year, but the football season took its toll on me physically. I needed to rest and rehabilitate some injuries," Hardy said. "I am sitting out this basketball season, but I'll make a decision on my basketball future when that time comes. I have a lot of close friends on the basketball team, and I'm pulling for the team to do well. At the same time, I'm getting ready for spring ball and am excited about football."

IU head football coach Terry Hoeppner and IU basketball coach Mike Davis each support Hardy's decision.

"It takes a special athlete to compete at such a high level in both football and basketball," Hoeppner said. "James came here to play both sports, and I admire the way he handles the dual role. Wide receiver is one of the more complex positions on the football field, so to have that much success in his first season speaks volumes about James' talent and potential."

"James came to Indiana to do both sports, so ultimately the decision is his," Davis said. "He had a great football season, and I am really proud of him. He has a bright future ahead, and we want to do whatever is necessary to help him reach his goals."