Another possibility

Harry · April 14, 2005

http://www.aggiesports.com/basketball/mens...040905loewe.htm

Loewe to transfer at end of semester

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Updated April 9, 2005 8:05 AM

By ROBERT CESSNA

Eagle Staff Writer

AGGIE ROSTER STATUS

Gone: Bobby Leach, 6-0; Justin Loewe, 6-4, jr. (will transfer); Antoine Wright, 6-7, sr. (declared for NBA Draft, but did not hire an agent and could return).

Returning: Luis Clemente, 6-8, sr.; Edjuan Green, 6-7, sr.; Josh Johnston, 6-2, jr.; Joseph Jones, 6-9, soph.; Dominque Kirk, 6-3, soph.; Acie Law IV, 6-3, jr.; Logan Lee, 6-2, jr.; Marcus McIntosh, 6-0, jr. (was academically ineligible after 10 games); Marlon Pompey, 6-8, jr.; Chris Walker, 6-5, sr. (has graduated, but has a year of eligibility left); Slade Weishuhn, 6-9, fr.; Kenneth White, 6-1, soph.

Signees: Martellus Bennett, 6-7, fr. (on football scholarship); Josh Carter, 6-5, fr.; David Devezin, 6-1, fr.; Jamar Finley, 6-6, jr.

Texas A&M men’s basketball reserve guard Justin Loewe has been granted a release.

Loewe, an all-stater from Caldwell, played in 19 games this past season, averaging only 2.8 minutes. He scored 19 points, hitting 6 of 20 field goals and 3 of 4 free throws.

He appeared in only four games as a freshman, playing 12 minutes and scoring two points.

“He just wants to play,” said his father, Harold Loewe, who was his high school coach. Loewe has had contact with Tulsa, Stephen F. Austin and North Texas, said his father.

The sophomore was recruited and signed at A&M by Melvin Watkins, who didn’t have his contract renewed after the 2003-2004 season (7-21, 0-16 in the Big 12).

The elder Loewe said the release benefits both parties.

“I just think coach [billy] Gillispie’s style is more full-court defense, and that’s just not Justin,” Loewe said. “There’s nothing wrong with it, people win with it. And, people win with half-court [offense].”

Loewe said his son’s game is best suited for a half-court offense with screens setting up 3-point shots. Loewe averaged 24.6 points per game his senior season at Caldwell, hitting 61 of 149 3-point shots. Loewe was 4-of-14 shooting 3s this past season and 0 of 2 as a freshman at A&M.

Loewe will finish out the spring semester at A&M. He’s worked out an individual drill schedule with Gillispie and will use the Aggie weight room, his father said.

Harold Loewe said he has a lot of respect for Gillispie, and they will “still be buddies” after this.

“The guy recruiting Justin — Tom Billeter — left before he even got there,” Loewe said. “Then they had the coaching change.

“I’ve known Billy for years, I even used to coach against him. [but] Billy never recruited Justin. He’s not the type of player Billy recruits. But that’s big-time basketball. I’m hoping, wherever he does go, they really want him.”

Assistant coach Tom Billeter left Watkins’ staff to coach at Augustana.

Loewe has two years of eligibility left. He will have to sit out next season provided he goes to a Division I school.

Harold Loewe said it was important for his son to get a release this week, because this is a key recruiting period, and schools will be filling out their rosters in the next few weeks.

“We hate to see Justin go,” said Gillispie, who was out of town recruiting. “He’s been a great teammate, and played a role in our success this year. Justin will always be part of our family and we wish him nothing but the best.”

The Loewes talked with Gillispie and assistant coach Steve Forbes on Tuesday, then the release was granted Wednesday.

Loewe will be the first Watkins’ recruit to transfer out. As a senior, he was rated the 13th best player in Texas by Mike Kundstadt’s Texas Hoops. He earned all-state honors by the Texas Association of Basketball Coaches and played in the THSCA All-Star Game.

Loewe’s departure will allow A&M to sign another player, said Colin Killian, A&M associate sports information director.