Virginia Tech's Jonathan Kabongo Retires From Basketball Due To Injuries

Photo Credit: Bobby Murray

Virginia Tech announced today that point guard Jonathan Kabongo has been medically disqualified, in essence announcing his retirement from college basketball.

Rumors had been starting to swirl that Kabongo's career may be coming to a close sooner than hoped due to the injuries that he has suffered both in high school and at Virginia Tech. In one healthy 2018-19 season, Kabongo was part of arguably the best men's basketball team in school history averaging 1.5 points and 0.6 rebounds in 4.9 minutes per game, appearing in 21 total games that season as part of the Hokies' Sweet 16 team.

Kabongo's medical retirement means that Virginia Tech now have 13 active, on-scholarship players, bringing the Hokies in line with the NCAA maximum after adding Cartier Diarra, David N'Guessan, and Cordell Pemsl this offseason. Kabongo becomes the third Hokie to depart since the end of the season with Landers Nolley and Isaiah Wilkins both transferring to Memphis and Wake Forest respectively.

Mike Young and Jonathan Kabongo also made the following statements on Kabongo's retirement from college basketball (via VT press release).

"It goes without saying that Virginia Tech is a better program today from the presence ofJonathan Kabongo," Young said. "Despite his struggles with injuries, Jonathan never let that affect his attitude within our program and certainly not his efforts in the classroom. We are excited Jonathan has remained committed to pursuing his education and we will remain committed to him throughout that process. His discipline, commitment to detail and perseverance will be a tremendous asset in whatever field he chooses to follow."

"I would like to thank Virginia Tech Basketball for still allowing me to complete my education at this amazing institution," Kabongo said. "My academic experience here has been amazing and I'm excited to finish strong! I also just want to take the time to remind anyone who feels defined by what they are known for, to remember that it's not the end of the world when it's no longer a part of your life. We can be anything we want to be, and if you feel like what you used to be is not you anymore, don't let the reputation of your past hold you back."