Jio Fontan was denied a release from Fordham during a meeting Tuesday even after promising school officials that he would not attend any Big East schools in the area.
“He was denied,” a source with direct knowledge said.
Fontan met with a Fordham official following another meeting last week that involved his family and an administrative committee.
Still, Fontan and his family are “100 percent” committed to fighting the decision and pursuing a release, the source said.
Two other Fordham players — Trey Blue and Mike Moore — were previously given their releases. But Fontan, who starred at St. Anthony of Jersey City under Bob Hurley, is considered the face of the program by the staff. He was influential in landing the stellar incoming recruiting class that includes Paterson Catholic wing Lance Brown and New Hampton forward Chris Gaston.
“We love Jio. He was the person that pushed to get Lance to Fordham. We hope everything works out and he is a Ram. I think this team can be good two years from now,” said Ron Cope, Brown’s uncle.
Earlier Tuesday, ZAGSBLOG broke the news that Fordham had also landed Fahro Alihodzic, a 6-10, 235-pound forward born in Bosnia.
Gohard / April 28, 2009
I think this is gonna be the new trend, star players transferring out of these mid major schools to the big leagues.
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chilltown / April 29, 2009
WHY would Fordam reject his request? Do you want a player who doesn’t want to be there on your team? I’ve never heard of this before especially after they allowed 2 or 3 other guys their right to leave. Everybody suspects Gio wants to go to Rutgers with Mike Rosario…who is Fordam to say WHAT B.E. school a player can transfer too? I’ve never heard of anything like this…Now I don’t agree with Fontan leaving BUT believe he should have the right to do so… BAD PR move by Fordam.
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