VT Suspends Joey van Zegeren Indefinitely (Twitter Rumor: Tried To Punch Buzz)

[Tugg Speedman]

@DavidTeelatDP  #Hokies announce indefinite suspension of Joey van Zegeren for demonstrating "a lack of discipline and self-control at practice."

Twitter is saying this means he tried to punch out Buzz in practice.

Joey van Zegeren banned indefinitely

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/12112843/virginia-tech-hokies-f-joey-van-zegeren-suspended-indefinitely

Virginia Tech forward Joey van Zegeren has been suspended indefinitely from the team.

Coach Buzz Williams said in a statement the 6-foot-10 redshirt junior "demonstrated a lack of discipline and self-control at practice." The statement gave no further details.

Van Zegeren is the Hokies' leading rebounder with a 5.3 average and third-leading scorer at 9.8 points per game. He has started only three of the first 13 games, averaging 20.4 minutes.

Virginia Tech (8-5) opens Atlantic Coast Conference play Saturday against Syracuse (9-4).

It is unknown what exactly caused this suspension, but it definitely is a statement that Williams is willing to suspend anyone if they break the team rules. It will be interesting to see how long van Zegeren ends up being suspended for, but the timing of the suspension means that he will not play against Syracuse.
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This definitely will hurt the Hokies against Syracuse as the Orange have two very good big men in Rakeem Christmas and Chris McCullough. These players are dominant in the post and are both at least 6'9" while the Hokies only have one player that is at least 6'9" in Satchel Pierce.

The experience of Joey van Zegeren would have been valuable in this game, but the Hokies will now need Pierce, Shane Henry, and Christian Beyer to all step up in the Dutch big man's absence. This game against Syracuse was already going to be a challenge, but the loss of van Zegeren hurts even more.

It would not be surprising if van Zegeren is back in a couple of games though the length of the suspension could tell us more about how substantial the problem was. Hopefully, van Zegeren will get his act together and this will only be a one time issue with the Dutch big man.

However, Joey van Zegeren's indefinite suspension does prove that Buzz Williams is not going to except low character just to win games which is going to be a big part of building a winning culture for Virginia Tech basketball.

[tower912]

Shades of James Matthews. 

[Jay Bee]

Van der Sloot, van Zegeren.. what is it with these crazy Dutch?

Hopefully when he threw the punch he didn't mean it in the wrong way.

[forgetful]

I wonder if all this is starting to mess with his happy.

[HutchwasClutch]

I see Buzz's coaching career going the way of Kevin O'Neill.

[HutchwasClutch]

I admit, I looked the other way many times (especially early on) with Buzz and the never ending player discipline issues.  It is just so evident now we are WAY better off without his act here.  I'm so glad he's gone and far away from our program now. 

[HutchwasClutch]

However, Joey van Zegeren's indefinite suspension does prove that Buzz Williams is not going to except low character just to win games which is going to be a big part of building a winning culture for Virginia Tech basketball.

Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight

[chren21]

Anyone watching this game. ?   Buzz looks like his eyes may explode out of his head at any second. 

[Groin_pull]

I can understand this. Brent's face is very punchable.

[Tums Festival]

First time I've ever wanted Syracuse to win a basketball game.

[Warrior Code]

8 - 5? One guy taller than 6'9"? Hell, he could have had that here, only with better uniforms.

[pbiflyer]

This kid is now one of my favorite players of all time.

[brandx]

However, Joey van Zegeren's indefinite suspension does prove that Buzz Williams is not going to except low character just to win games which is going to be a big part of building a winning culture for Virginia Tech basketball.

Jouranalism schools aren't what they used to be.

[Jay Bee]

However, Joey van Zegeren's indefinite suspension does prove that Buzz Williams is not going to except low character just to win games which is going to be a big part of building a winning culture for Virginia Tech basketball.

I thought he did "except" van Zegeren from today's game?

[Sylvester78]

I admit, I looked the other way many times (especially early on) with Buzz and the never ending player discipline issues.  It is just so evident now we are WAY better off without his act here.  I'm so glad he's gone and far away from our program now. 

Agree wholeheartedly.  I was very uncomfortable the way things operated under Buzz.  I am surprised most were OK with it in the name of winning. Wojo is and will be a Godsend.

[ZiggysFryBoy]

Just a punch?  Weak.  That cat from IU at least tossed at potted plant at I4.

[Lighthouse 84]

However, Joey van Zegeren's indefinite suspension does prove that Buzz Williams is not going to except low character just to win games which is going to be a big part of building a winning culture for Virginia Tech basketball.

Jouranalism schools aren't what they used to be.

+ 1

[4everwarriors]

Character revealed, aina?

[keefe]

Gotta love a "Big Dutchman"

[Dawson Rental]

However, Joey van Zegeren's indefinite suspension does prove that Buzz Williams is not going to except low character just to win games which is going to be a big part of building a winning culture for Virginia Tech basketball.

Jouranalism schools aren't what they used to be.

You're just going to have to learn to except that.

[rocket surgeon]

Wonder if this means buzz doesn't love Joey anymore

[79Warrior]

Character revealed, aina?

Let's be fair, Al let plenty of fisticuffs happen.

[warriorchick]

Let's be fair, Al let plenty of fisticuffs happen.

He let his players hit him?

[tower912]

He didn't LET them. 

[Nukem2]

He let his players hit him?

Yes.  Well documented.