Head coach Tony Bennett has announced the dismissal of redshirt junior power forward Austin Nichols from the University of Virginia men’s basketball program.
“It’s a privilege to be a part of this program and Austin has lost that privilege,” Bennett said in this release posted on VirginiaSports.com. “We have standards for our student-athletes and when those standards aren’t met, there are consequences and this is the unfortunate consequence.”
The 6’9″, 235-pound Nichols transferred to UVA in the summer of 2015, following two years at Memphis. After sitting out the 2015/2016 season because of NCAA Division 1 transfer rules, Nichols, who had two seasons of eligibility remaining, was expected to be a top contributor for the Cavaliers this season.
Nichols was suspended for Virginia’s two preseason scrimmages as well as the season opener for a violation of team rules. He scored 11 points and pulled down three rebounds in UVA’s home win over St. Francis Brooklyn. As it turns out, this is the only game Nichols will ever play in for the Wahoos.
Virginia’s 2016/2017 frontcourt featured Nichols, junior power forward Isaiah Wilkins, redshirt sophomore center Jack Salt, sophomore power forward Jarred Reuter, and redshirt freshman power forward Mamadi Diakite. Coach Bennett planned to redshirt true freshman forward/center Jay Huff, but Nichols’ dismissal could impact this decision. Check Winn Dixie Ad and Lowe’s Ad.
