I see it as a sign of how far the basketball talent at Pitt has improved. Even a few years ago, an undersized, but gritty and hard-working center/forward like J.J. Richardson would be an important part of Pitt’s team. Looking at significant minutes.
Instead, the talent ahead of him and coming in this year made his playing time prospects dim. He likely would have seen some early chances, but as the season progressed those minutes would diminish as the experience of Khem Birch and Malcolm Gilbert increased their minutes. This had him looking for an opportunity to play more than minor reserve minutes.
That searching has him heading closer to home and a certain urban campus in Texas that aspires to be a part of the Big East.
“We are extremely pleased that J.J. chose the University of Houston. This is exciting for our basketball program and the University,” Dickey said. “To have a player of his size and ability is a great addition to our program. He is a strong, physical and skilled player that will really fill the power forward position on our team. J.J. is a quality student-athlete, and we look forward to his continued development during his redshirt season.”
Richardson joined the Cougars after spending the last two seasons at Pittsburgh. As a sophomore in 2010-11, he helped lead the Panthers to the Big East regular-season championship, the NCAA Tournament Third Round and a 28-6 overall record while competing in 23 games.
He appeared in 22 games as a freshman during the 2009-10 campaign and was recognized as a Big East Academic All-Star. Richardson also received the team’s Jaron Brown Pursuit of Excellence Award at the postseason banquet.
Richardson, per transfer rules, has to sit out the upcoming season. He will be eligible for the 2012-13 season and have two years of eligibility remaining.
The biggest upside for Richardson may be the weather.
With the ink barely dry on the paperwork that officially made the Hightower product a Cougar after transferring from Big East power Pittsburgh, Richardson was on the phone with one of his former Panthers teammates when he inquired about the conditions at his former school.
“He said it was 50 degrees and raining,” Richardson said. “It’s good to be here in the sun and warm weather.”
The best of luck to J.J. Richardson.
From what I understand, not only did Jaron pursue excellence on the court, he turned into a really good student and earned his degree to the surprise of many that knew him from high school
It appears that Jim Calhoun may retire … I heard that if he retires, Jamie Dixon will replace him (unless he is already hired by the Lakers)
Sports reporter creative license at its best! But best of luck to J.J.