Wesley Johnson plans to transfer this year
Matt Gubbels
Issue date: 5/20/08 Section: Sports
Wesley Johnson, the second-leading scorer for the ISU men's basketball team the last two seasons, has informed coach Greg McDermott he intends to transfer.
According to a press release, McDermott received a phone call from a family member of Johnson's saying Johnson was planning to transfer.
"'Shocked' would be the best way to describe my reaction," McDermott said. "I flew Saturday morning to his hometown [in Corsicana, Texas] to talk, but his mind was made up."
According to the press release, Johnson packed up all of his personal belongings at his apartment last week but made no contact with members of the coaching staff or teammates before departing for home May 10.
McDermott said he was disappointed in the way he learned of the news, but said Iowa State men's basketball is more than one individual.
"It's a setback for our team," McDermott said in the press release. "I wish Wesley well, but my energies will be directed to the players committed to Cyclone Basketball."
Johnson missed five games last season and had surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot on April 30.
"The surgery went well and Wesley was focused on doing the things he needed to do for full recovery," McDermott said.
Johnson was lightly recruited after one of his prep schools closed. He was a member of McDermott's first recruiting class and played both guard and forward in his time with the Cyclones.
Johnson averaged 12.4 points per game last season and 12.3 points per game his freshman season, making the Big 12's All-Freshman Team. Johnson also led the Cyclones in rebounding and blocked shots during his freshman season with 7.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
With Johnson transferring and Jiri Hubalek and Rahshon Clark graduating, only one of the team's top four scorers, freshman Craig Brackins, will return to Iowa State. Johnson is the sixth player to transfer during McDermott's two years at Iowa State.
"He certainly was a great fit for our program during his healthy freshman season and there's no doubt the injury this year affected him a great deal physically," McDermott said in the press release. "During our visit in Texas, I outlined all of Wesley's options and the challenges of a mid-career transfer. A transfer is a lot more complicated than just switching schools. I want Wesley to fully understand how a transfer can impact his development for a professional career."
Johnson did not share his future plans with McDermott during their meeting.
The athletic department declined to comment further on the matter until Wednesday, when McDermott will be available to the media. Johnson, despite multiple attempts, was unavailable for comment.
According to a press release, McDermott received a phone call from a family member of Johnson's saying Johnson was planning to transfer.
"'Shocked' would be the best way to describe my reaction," McDermott said. "I flew Saturday morning to his hometown [in Corsicana, Texas] to talk, but his mind was made up."
According to the press release, Johnson packed up all of his personal belongings at his apartment last week but made no contact with members of the coaching staff or teammates before departing for home May 10.
McDermott said he was disappointed in the way he learned of the news, but said Iowa State men's basketball is more than one individual.
"It's a setback for our team," McDermott said in the press release. "I wish Wesley well, but my energies will be directed to the players committed to Cyclone Basketball."
Johnson missed five games last season and had surgery on a stress fracture in his left foot on April 30.
"The surgery went well and Wesley was focused on doing the things he needed to do for full recovery," McDermott said.
Johnson was lightly recruited after one of his prep schools closed. He was a member of McDermott's first recruiting class and played both guard and forward in his time with the Cyclones.
Johnson averaged 12.4 points per game last season and 12.3 points per game his freshman season, making the Big 12's All-Freshman Team. Johnson also led the Cyclones in rebounding and blocked shots during his freshman season with 7.9 rebounds and 1.1 blocks per game.
With Johnson transferring and Jiri Hubalek and Rahshon Clark graduating, only one of the team's top four scorers, freshman Craig Brackins, will return to Iowa State. Johnson is the sixth player to transfer during McDermott's two years at Iowa State.
"He certainly was a great fit for our program during his healthy freshman season and there's no doubt the injury this year affected him a great deal physically," McDermott said in the press release. "During our visit in Texas, I outlined all of Wesley's options and the challenges of a mid-career transfer. A transfer is a lot more complicated than just switching schools. I want Wesley to fully understand how a transfer can impact his development for a professional career."
Johnson did not share his future plans with McDermott during their meeting.
The athletic department declined to comment further on the matter until Wednesday, when McDermott will be available to the media. Johnson, despite multiple attempts, was unavailable for comment.
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Viewing Comments 1 - 6 of 8
tommy harkonin
posted 5/20/08 @ 12:00 AM CST
I hope he blows out his knee and spends the rest of his life asking if you would like fries with that.
If your not happy, you should talk to the coach about it, not drop a bombshell. (Continued…)
Curtis21
Curtis C Moudry
posted 5/20/08 @ 10:12 AM CST
I'm sure most Cyclone fans don't wish ill-will for Wesley, but it sure will be damn hard to cheer for him. Unless there are some issues of which we are unaware, he left in a totally classless manner, something more befitting of a hawkeye. (Continued…)
Chris Wearmouth
posted 5/21/08 @ 9:08 PM CST
I would rather he leave anyway. I don't want a kid with that kind of disrespect representing the university or our state!
mike
posted 5/27/08 @ 11:29 AM CST
Please don't think that cyclone fans think the way that this tommy loser does.
Wes, I think you are making a misteak. This is hurting our program and I think will hurt your career, but I hope you can get to where you want to be. (Continued…)
Otto
posted 6/25/08 @ 2:00 PM CST
Jimmy B. will make him a better player than Iowa St. ever could. GO ORANGE!!!
Goorange
posted 6/27/08 @ 6:52 AM CST
Thanks for a great player. Also its not his fault he transferred, 6 transfers in 2 years. Look at the coach, he is the problem!
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