Time to put the "Will Curtis Sumpter return this season?" talk to bed. Curtis
has announced he will take a red shirt this season and return next year. Good
move in my opinion. He hasn't practiced with the team all season, and still is
not in game shape.

I know who my 2007 pre-season player of the year nomination is going to. And if
Kyle Lowry returns for his junior year, Nova might not have to suffer the
rebuilding phase many fans thought was likely after this season.

Here is the article:

Curtis Sumpter Will Return to Wildcats in 2006-07
Forward will practice with team this season and will not play in any games



Feb. 28, 2006
VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova University forward Curtis Sumpter (Brooklyn,
N.Y./Bishop Loughlin High School) announced today that he will return to the
Wildcats as a medical redshirt in 2006-07. Sumpter, who underwent surgery on
Nov. 15 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, was
cleared to resume individual basketball activities yesterday and will practice
with the team for the remainder of 2005-06 but not participate in games.
"I am working hard to get back and help my classmates," stated Sumpter. "I feel
like I am getting stronger and faster each day. But I feel the best decision is
to continue working hard and to try to help my team in other ways over the final
weeks of this season. I'm making the decision that is best for my future.
"The team is great. I'm going to help my teammates any way I can in practice,
and I look forward to being with them on the court. I've been patient this long
- I will just continue to be patient until next season." Sumpter was sidelined
on Oct. 19, when he re-injured the ACL in his left knee. Dr. James Andrews
performed surgery on Nov. 15 in Birmingham, Ala., and the native of Brooklyn,
N.Y., has not played a minute for the Wildcats in 2005-06. The ligament was
originally torn in Villanova's 76-65 victory over Florida in the 2005 NCAA
Tournament in Nashville, Tenn.
"I'm happy that Curtis is making an intelligent long-term decision," stated
Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "He has been focusing on helping his
classmates. I feel he is confident in them and can now concentrate on what is
best for his future."
As a junior in 2004-05, the 6-7 forward averaged 15.3 points and 7.2 rebounds
per game and was named second team All-Big East.
Villanova (22-3 overall, 12-2 Big East) plays its final regular season home game
on Wednesday evening at the Pavilion against St. John's. The Villanova class of
2006 will be honored in a pre-game ceremony that gets underway at 7:15 p.m.


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