Freshman forward James Johnson to redshirt this season
Virginia Coach Tony Bennett said after Friday night's 76-52 season-opening win over William & Mary that freshman forward James Johnson will redshirt this season. Johnson will have four years of eligibility remaining at the start of next season.
"James and I talked about that, and we feel like that’s probably in the best interest for him," Bennett said. "He could help us. He certainly could. He’s rugged. But in talking to James and sitting down, the plan right now is for him to redshirt."
At 6-foot-9 and 234 pounds, Johnson could have provided an immediate physical presence for the Cavaliers in the post. But the Virginia coaches believe Johnson possesses considerable upside, which -- if properly developed -- will be more beneficial to the team in the coming years.
"James feels very comfortable with it," Bennett said. "We sat and talked, and it was a decision that he and I just – it’s always what’s best for the player and what’s best for the program and especially the long range. Hard decision, because I see some value, but I also see the value of him getting strong, developing and getting comfortable. He was very comfortable with it. He approached me about it."
By
Steve Yanda
| November 12, 2010; 10:15 PM ET
Categories:
Men's Basketball
Save & Share:
Previous: Landon Bradley to undergo season-ending knee surgery Nov. 16
Next: Virginia 76, William & Mary 52: Three up, three down
No comments have been posted to this entry.
We encourage users to analyze, comment on and even challenge washingtonpost.com's articles, blogs, reviews and multimedia features.
User reviews and comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions.