Feb. 28, 2006

 Sumpter Press Conference - 2:30 PM ET

VILLANOVA, Pa. - Villanova University forward Curtis Sumpter (Brooklyn, N.Y./Bishop Loughlin High School) announced today that he will return to the Wildcats as a medical redshirt in 2006-07. Sumpter, who underwent surgery on Nov. 15 to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his left knee, was cleared to resume individual basketball activities yesterday and will practice with the team for the remainder of 2005-06 but not participate in games.

"I am working hard to get back and help my classmates," stated Sumpter. "I feel like I am getting stronger and faster each day. But I feel the best decision is to continue working hard and to try to help my team in other ways over the final weeks of this season. I'm making the decision that is best for my future.

"The team is great. I'm going to help my teammates any way I can in practice, and I look forward to being with them on the court. I've been patient this long - I will just continue to be patient until next season." Sumpter was sidelined on Oct. 19, when he re-injured the ACL in his left knee. Dr. James Andrews performed surgery on Nov. 15 in Birmingham, Ala., and the native of Brooklyn, N.Y., has not played a minute for the Wildcats in 2005-06. The ligament was originally torn in Villanova's 76-65 victory over Florida in the 2005 NCAA Tournament in Nashville, Tenn.

"I'm happy that Curtis is making an intelligent long-term decision," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "He has been focusing on helping his classmates. I feel he is confident in them and can now concentrate on what is best for his future."

As a junior in 2004-05, the 6-7 forward averaged 15.3 points and 7.2 rebounds per game and was named second team All-Big East.

Villanova (22-3 overall, 12-2 Big East) plays its final regular season home game on Wednesday evening at the Pavilion against St. John's. The Villanova class of 2006 will be honored in a pre-game ceremony that gets underway at 7:15 p.m.