Villanova's Curtis Sumpter to Take Medical Redshirt for Remainder of Season

Strategic Insights -

Curtis Sumpter, a 6-foot-7 senior forward for Villanova, has announced that he will not return to the court this season due to a knee injury. Despite his disappointment, he has decided to take a medical redshirt and will be eligible to return next season. Sumpter, a second-team all-Big East selection last season, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a preseason practice on Oct. 19. He had hoped to return to the team's lineup in time for the Big East or NCAA tournament but has now made the difficult decision to focus on his rehabilitation and take a redshirt year.

Key Takeaways:

  • Curtis Sumpter will take a medical redshirt for the remainder of the season, citing a knee injury that has prevented him from playing all season.
  • Sumpter, a second-team all-Big East selection last season, suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in a preseason practice on Oct. 19.
  • The 22-year-old senior averaged 15.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game as a junior and had hoped to finish his career with the players he was recruited with four years ago.
  • Wildcats coach Jay Wright had pushed Sumpter to make a decision, partly because the media attention was becoming a distraction, and also to ensure that the player's decision was final.
  • Sumpter has been cleared to compete in drills with the team and plans to be cleared soon to practice, allowing him to maintain his game strength and conditioning.
  • The Wildcats (22-3, 12-2 Big East) will honor their seniors at Wednesday night's game against St. John's at the Pavilion, with Sumpter set to watch and cheer on his teammates from the sidelines.
  • Wright said that having Sumpter on theteam next season will be beneficial, especially when facing bigger teams in the ACC.

Statistics:

  • 15.3 points per game: Curtis Sumpter's average scoring per game as a junior.
  • 7.2 rebounds per game: Curtis Sumpter's average rebounding per game as a junior.
  • 22-3: Villanova's overall record at the time of the announcement.
  • 12-2: Villanova's Big East record at the time of the announcement.
  • 4 feet 7 inches: Curtis Sumpter's height.

Sources:

  • "CR Curtis Sumpter to Take Medical Redshirt for Remainder of Season" by Philadelphia Inquirer (c) 2006. Visit Philadelphia Online at http://www.philly.com/
  • Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services. For information on republishing this content, contact (800) 661-2511 (U.S.), (213) 237-4914 (worldwide), fax (213) 237-6515, or e-mail reprints@krtinfo.com.