After averaging 9.1 points and 6.2 rebounds per game at Palm Beach (Florida) CC in 2013-14, 6-foot-8 junior forward Jason Pimentel was expected to help Longwood in the front court this season. That all changed November 6, when Pimentel was suspended indefinitely after being charged with misdemeanor sexual battery.
According to Travis Lyles of The Rotunda, the school newspaper, Pimentel has practiced and traveled with the team since winter break and on February 2 he was found guilty of the charge. Pimentel appealed the ruling, and on Saturday he played in his first game of the season.
Longwood head coach Jayson Gee said the following about Pimentel’s status following Saturday’s game:“Jason has gone through the university’s disciplinary process and met his obligations under the student code of conduct, and he has now sat out three months of his junior season,” said Gee.
He added, “All along, I have evaluated whether he has taken ownership of this matter, understood its seriousness, and learned from it.”According to Lyles’ report, Pimentel is due back in court April 21.