Collin Hartman doesn't want to get too far ahead of himself, but remains optimistic about his chances to return the court.

Thus the IU senior forward is taking a measured approach as he recovers from late September knee surgery while not ruling out coming back this season.

"Obviously I'd love to be back," Hartman said. "Early (season), late, middle, I don’t know. I just have to stay focused and literally take it day-by-day. If I look too far ahead, I’ll get disappointed with where I’m at."

Hartman met with the media Wednesday for the first time since undergoing successful surgery to repair a non-contact left knee injury sustained during practice on Tuesday, Sept. 20. The procedure took place on Wednesday, Sept. 28.

Hartman couldn't disclose the severity of the injury, nor could he offer a timeline or the nature of the procedure. But he's already begun rehabbing the left knee.

Indiana head coach Tom Crean last month said Hartman has been doing stationary shooting drills, and Hartman added that he's been able to do those drills standing up.

"I've been shooting a little bit, not a lot," Hartman said. "I'm just trying to slowly work back into things. I don't want to rush back because re-injuring, I would hate that. Just stay with what Timmy G [Athletic Trainer Tim Garl) and all the doctors are saying with rehab and just staying focused."

Knee injuries are nothing new for Hartman.

The Indianapolis native tore his ACL the summer after his freshman season but was able to return in time to play in 32 of Indiana's 34 games during his sophomore campaign.

Likely similar to the rehabilitation process for the first injury, Crean at the end of last month said the most important aspect of Hartman's recovery is his mindset and making sure the players and coaching staff do everything they can to keep that mindset positive.

Hartman said he's been involved in every practice so far when he's not been doing his rehab, making sure to help the younger players get acclimated when a new concept gets introduced by Crean or when they don't understand something.

"It's good to be there and still see everything as they're going through it," Hartman said. "I'm still accountable for knowing all the plays, I'm still accountable for getting these guys in the right spots, making sure drills go smoothly."

Those responsibilities will also carry over into the season. Whether Hartman plays or not, Crean recently said he wants the Cathedral grad sitting near the coaches and not at the end of the bench during games.

A medical redshirt for this season remains on the table, according to Crean, but Hartman said conversations between him and Crean regarding that situation have been "very, very brief." The decision to redshirt won't be made until after the season gets started and, during that time, examining where Hartman is in his rehabilitation process.

"Seeing how this team does, that's really my main focus right now," Hartman said. "This is the team that I want to be with. I love this team, and I want nothing but the best for them."