April 11, 2011
CORAL GABLES, FLA. – University of Miami sophomore center Reggie Johnson has elected to submit his name for the upcoming NBA Draft, but will not hire an agent to retain the option of returning to the Hurricanes for the 2011-12 season.
A 6-10, 300-pound center from Winston-Salem, N.C., Johnson was the team’s leading rebounder and third-leading scorer, nearly averaging a double-double with 11.9 points and 9.6 rebounds per game. He converted 59.1 percent of his field goals, while adding a team-high 1.3 blocks per game as a redshirt sophomore in 2010-11, and finished the season ranked second in the ACC in offensive rebounds (3.5), fourth in both defensive rebounds (6.1) and overall rebounds and 20th in scoring.
“The chance to play in the NBA is something that has been in my mind for a long time – since I was really young,” said Johnson. “Now the chance has presented itself so I can see where I stand. If it doesn’t feel right, I know I still have the opportunity to return to play college basketball.”
Johnson – who earned All-ACC honorable mention honors – started 34 games this season. He posted 13 double-doubles – including a 14-point, 20-rebound performance in the NIT first-round win over FAU. His 347 rebounds this season are the most for a Hurricane since Rick Barry posted a school-record 475 in 1964-65, while he scored in double figures 23 times, including four 20-point outings.
Underclassmen who declare for the draft have until May 8 to remove their name and maintain college eligibility. The NBA Draft is scheduled for June 23.