Tweet

BLACKSBURG, Va. – Virginia Tech men’s basketball coach Seth Greenberg has granted JT Thompson a release in order to assist Thompson in his desire to transfer to a school closer to his daughter. Thompson, a fifth-year senior from Monroe, N.C., will file a waiver to seek a sixth year of eligibility after missing the last two seasons with knee surgeries.

“I appreciate all the contributions that JT has made to Virginia Tech Basketball,” Greenberg said. “He has been a major asset to this program and has worked hard, both on and off the court in his five years here. I feel for JT with all the injuries that he has suffered here and wish him nothing but the best in the future. JT has been a very positive member of this team and leaves Virginia Tech with the most important thing, his college degree.

“As a parent, I certainly understand his desire to move closer to his young daughter and to become a bigger part of her life. We will do everything in our power to help JT in this process and will work with him to find the perfect fit for him in his situation.”

Thompson suffered season-ending injuries to the ACL in each knee in the preseason of each of the past two seasons. He averaged 6.5 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in his first three seasons at Virginia Tech, appearing in 92 games and starting 17 contests.

“I have had a great five-year experience here at Virginia Tech,” Thompson said. “I leave Blacksburg with my degree and with a lifetime of friends. This is a very difficult decision to make, but I feel the need to move closer to my daughter and become a full-time parent to her. I want to thank Coach Greenberg, all the coaches and all my teammates for all they have meant to me and know that I will always be a Hokie.”

For updates on Virginia Tech men's basketball, follow the Hokies on Twitter (@VT_MBBall).