MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - MARCH 09: Head coach Patrick Ewing of the Georgetown Hoyas reacts in the second half during the game against the Marquette Golden Eagles at Fiserv Forum on March 09, 2019 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Quinn Harris/Getty Images)Georgetown basketball announced stunning news this evening, confirming that star point guard James Akinjo and key reserve big man Josh LeBlanc are no longer with the program.
Akinjo, the reigning Big East Freshman of the Year, is onetime four-star, top-100 recruit. In seven games this season, he was leading the Hoyas in minutes per game (30.7) and was second in points per contest with 13.4.
LeBlanc started in 22 games last season and appeared in six games this year, missing the season opener against Mt. St. Mary’s. He was averaging 7.2 points and 2.7 rebounds per game.
Big announcement from Georgetown – starting point guard James Akinjo and reserve big man Josh LeBlanc are no longer playing for the team. pic.twitter.com/VcSJ7zJAQL
— Ava Wallace (@avarwallace) December 2, 2019
According to multiple reports, both Akinjo and LeBlanc are already in the NCAA transfer portal. The Spun can confirm this is indeed the case.
AL.com’s Matt Zenitz first reported news of the pair entering the portal.
Another Georgetown basketball player, Baton Rouge native Josh LeBlanc, has also put his name into the NCAA transfer portal, per source.
Started 22 games last year.
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) December 2, 2019
To say this is a brutal blow for Georgetown would be an understatement. The Hoyas (4-3) were expected to challenge for an NCAA Tournament berth and be among the Big East’s upper echelon this season.
Now, the team has lost two of its top players, and its depth has taken a major hit.
Right now, it is unclear whether Akinjo and LeBlanc decided to leave on their own or were dismissed from the team. More info should be forthcoming on the matter.
