Wesley Johnson To Transfer

AMES, Iowa ? Wesley Johnson has informed Iowa State men's basketball coach Greg McDermott that he intends to transfer schools.

“Shocked would be the best way to describe my reaction,” McDermott said of the phone call he received from a Johnson family member last Thursday night saying that Wesley was seeking a transfer. “I flew Saturday morning to his hometown (Corsicana, Texas) to talk, but his mind was made up.”

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 10th. McDermott said that he was disappointed in the way he learned of the news, but noted that Iowa State men's basketball is more than one individual.

“It's a setback for our team,” McDermott said. “I wish Wesley well, but my energies will be directed to the players committed to Cyclone basketball.”

Johnson missed five games last season and eventually had surgery on April 30th for a stress fracture in his left foot.

“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 out of high school after one of his prep schools closed. He was a member of McDermott's first Cyclone recruiting class and the versatile Johnson developed a well rounded game playing both guard and forward.

Johnson averaged 12.4 points per game last winter (despite missing five games) and took more shots per game than any other Cyclone. He made the Big 12's All-Freshmen team in 2006-07 under McDermott's tutelage and averaged 12.3 points per game.

“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. “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.

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Wesley Johnson

Wesley Johnson

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