Georgetown Removes James Akinjo and Josh LeBlanc from Team

The Georgetown men’s basketball team announced Monday evening that James Akinjo and Josh LeBlanc “ will not be playing for the men’s basketball team effective immediately and will not be members of the team for the remainder of the season.” The team’s release did not provide specifics on why Akinjo and LeBlanc were removed.

Akinjo averaged 13.4 points, 5.2 assists, and 2.9 rebounds per game as a freshman, earning 2019 Big East Freshman of the Year honors in the process. This season, Akinjo started all seven of the Hoyas’ regular season games, averaging 13.4 points and 4.4 assists.

LeBlanc, a 2019 Big East All-Freshman Team selection, had seen a noticeable decrease in playing time during his sophomore campaign. He was suspended for the season opener for violating team rules and had come off the bench in all other games. The season prior, LeBlanc had started 22-of-33 games, averaging 9.1 points, 7.3 rebounds, and a team-high 1.1 blocks.

The sudden departure of two key players leaves the Hoyas in a vulnerable position ahead of a road trip which includes visits to undefeated Oklahoma State and undefeated SMU. Nine other players have seen court time for the Hoyas this season. Galen Alexander or Terrell Allen would appear to be the most likely addition to the starting lineup in Akinjo’s absence.