Post by DanMcQ on May 31, 2013 14:48:57 GMT -5
www.csnwashington.com/ncaa/jtiii-whittington-back-next-season-smith-expected
Georgetown forward Greg Whittington, academically ineligible for the final 19 games last season, will play for the Hoyas in 2013-14, coach John Thompson III said in an exclusive interview with CSNwashington.
Thompson also anticipates having Josh Smith on the court for the 2013-14 season, though uncertainty remains regarding when the former UCLA transfer would begin playing and how much eligibility the center would ultimately have.
Thompson also anticipates having Josh Smith on the court for the 2013-14 season, though uncertainty remains regarding when the former UCLA transfer would begin playing and how much eligibility the center would ultimately have.
Off last year's Big East regular season championship team, the Hoyas lost Big East Player of the Year Otto Porter Jr. to the NBA and little-used freshman forward Brandon Bolden, who transferred to Kansas State.
"Everyone else is coming back," Thompson stated.
"Everyone else is coming back," Thompson stated.
"I think Greg grew up a lot this year, a hell of a lot." Thompson said. "It was painful for him...He's made strides, not just in the classroom, but who he is. He's growing up."
Smith transferred from UCLA after playing six games as a junior in part because of weight-related issues. The 6-foot-10, 300-plus pounder is eligible to play for Georgetown starting the second semester of the upcoming season - and would do so as a senior. Outside of applying for a waiver and the NCAA granting it, Smith can play either the one semester or sit out the 2013-14 season and be eligible to play in both semesters of the 2014-15 campaign.
Thompson declined comment on Smith's ongoing eligibility situation. Asked if he expects to play for the team next season, the coach paused before responding with a tentative "yes."
Thompson declined comment on Smith's ongoing eligibility situation. Asked if he expects to play for the team next season, the coach paused before responding with a tentative "yes."
Following Bolden's transfer, one scholarship remains open for the upcoming season. While always on the search for talent, Thompson said he's not actively seek to add a player for the sake of filling the slot.
"Always looking to fill it if it's the right person, but I don't think there is a dire need to fill it," the coach said. "But if the right situation, the right person that makes us better, we'll use it."
"Always looking to fill it if it's the right person, but I don't think there is a dire need to fill it," the coach said. "But if the right situation, the right person that makes us better, we'll use it."