Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
It is not uncommon for a player to leave a major Division I basketball program for junior college. Whether it is for more playing time, academic reasons, off-the-court troubles or what have you, players are constantly transferring throughout the entire realm of college basketball.
Rarely, however, do they go to a Division I program, then head to a junior college, only to come back to finish their career at another D-I school.
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Jonathan Holton happens to be that kind of player, though. He started his collegiate hoops career with the Rhode Island Rams. While with the program as a freshman, Holton averaged slightly over 10 points and eight boards an outing. Then a little wandering of the eyes got him in trouble. In March of 2012, Holton was charged with two counts of video voyeurism — ending his stay with Rhode Island.
After that debacle, Holton took his talents to Palm Beach State College. The junior college was only an hour or so away from his home, and Holton planned on using the junior college to eventually springboard his way back into the Division I level. Holton initially committed to Richard Pitino, but backed off after the coach took his talents to a new program.
A slew of teams’ losses is another one’s gain. Now, with the ability to play right away, Holton has committed to play for Bob Huggins and the West Virginia Mountaineers. The landing of Holton will help the team immediately as he has matured as a player on the court and has already shown the ability to contribute at the Division I level.
Joe is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @JosephNardone
