John Brown signs with Acea Virtus in Italy
By Ameer Tyree// Staff Writer
Photo by highpoint.edu
John Brown, the most dominant player in the Division 1 era of High Point University basketball, will begin his professional career playing for Acea Virtus Roma in Italy.
Brown was the receiver of many awards throughout his collegiate career. Among his accolades were Big South Player of the Year, Big South Defensive Player of the Year, first time all conference and all district selections. He became the first player in the conference’s history to win Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year in the same season last year.
He was consistently one of the most efficient players in the country during his years at HPU. He ranked first in field goal percentage, second in offensive rebounding, third in scoring, fourth in blocks, fifth in steals and sixth in overall rebounding in the Big South during his senior campaign.
Unfortunately, Brown suffered a foot injury on senior night of last season that permitted him from helping the team reach the NCAA tournament.
However, his hard work in the offseason helped him earn a spot of the Charlotte Hornets’ summer league roster. While he did not make the final roster for the team, he did gain valuable experience playing alongside other elite NBA talent.
HPU’s men’s basketball program has sent record numbers to the pros over the last couple years.
Other notable panthers include Eugene Harris (‘10), Tehran Cox (‘11), Corey Law (‘12), Nick Barbour (‘12), Devante Wallace (‘15) and Lorenzo Cugini (‘16).
While in Italy, Brown will work to fine-tune his game and take another shot at the league as his skills continue to improve. We’ll be sure to cheer on “JB,” as he’s sure to make big waves overseas.