Smith done for year

January 25, 2014 - As reported on @HoyaNation a mere minutes after being announced, junior center Joshua Smith will not return to Georgetown's lineup this season. Academic concerns have forced him out.

According to head coach John Thompson III at yesterday's press conference prior to today's game at Creighton, Smith is "ineligible for the year".

The 6'10", 350 pound Smith has not suited up since the Hoyas welcomed St. John's, January 4th. Without his presence and production - at the time Smith was the team's third leading scorer at 11.5 points per game - G'Town has gone 1-4.

"It's disappointing to be honest with you" said Thompson. "It's disappointing. So much was geared towards his presence. Here, now in the middle of the season between he and Jabril (Trawick, junior wing out indefinitely due to a broken jaw) you lose two starters, you've got to reshuffle everything".

Thompson continued, indicating though losing Smith is acute, nobody is above what's broadly expected: "This is Georgetown. We have a set of standards and everyone has a responsibility above and beyond what goes on through those doors right there (McDonough Arena, where they practice).

"He's let his teammates down, but the rest of the group will try and regroup here, and figure it out".

Part of that effort is determining how the team can develop an inside offensive presence, as foes have taken that away and challenged others to score. While Thompson's backcourt of senior Markel Starks and D'Vauntes Smith-Rivera both stepped up to the challenge, without G'Town getting stuff around the basket their jobs are infinitely harder. Click here for more on that.

Is Smith practicing with the team? Access Premium Court to find out.

Visit and follow @HoyaNation for an update on Trawick, a tough, versatile, experienced player.