Brian Johnson Will Leave U of L Basketball Team
August 01, 2006 | Men's Basketball
Aug. 1, 2006
LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Sophomore forward Brian Johnson, a 6-8 forward from Laurinburg, N.C., has requested and will be given his release to transfer from the University of Louisville men's basketball team.
"Brian has asked for his release and we will grant his request," said U of L Coach Rick Pitino. "He's endured three knee surgeries and has had a difficult time. He's an outstanding man and we wish him nothing but the best. Although we're disappointed Brian is leaving us, we have a deep team this year and we are looking forward to our trip to Canada."
Johnson's availability was limited last season while he recovered from having three knee surgeries in six months in 2004 and receiving a medical redshirt his initial year at U of L. He averaged 3.2 points and 3.2 rebounds last season, with those numbers improving to 4.6 points and 5.8 rebounds over the last nine games while center David Padgett was out with a knee injury. Johnson's best game came against Clemson in the NIT second round when he totalled 13 points and 13 rebounds in a season-high 24 minutes.
