Sept. 12, 2005
Senior Richard Joyce, a three-year letterwinner for the Wake Forest University men's basketball team, has decided to forego his senior season of basketball to pursue an opportunity to graduate early.
Joyce, a 6-5 guard from Mount Airy (NC), will focus on academics the rest of the semester with an eye on graduating in December.
"Richard Joyce did an excellent job in helping Wake Forest basketball to three consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances," Prosser said. "I wish him nothing but the best as he pursues his Wake Forest diploma."
Prosser, entering his fifth season with the Deacons, is on the road recruiting this week.
"I have an opportunity to graduate from Wake Forest in December," Joyce said. "For me to accomplish this, it is going to require my full attention this final semester.
"Playing basketball at Wake Forest the last three years has been an amazing, memorable experience, but earning my degree has always been my top priority. I would like to thank the fans, the coaching staff, my teammates and my family for their support of my decision. I will always remain a Demon Deacon fan."
Joyce originally came to Wake Forest in the fall of 2002 after playing one season at Oak Hill Academy in Virginia. He verbally committed to former coach Dave Odom, then confirmed his decision to come to WFU with Prosser and his staff. Joyce played in 40 career games, missing most of last season with a foot injury. His best season came as a sophomore in 2003-04 when he averaged 3.4 points per game for Wake Forest's NCAA Sweet 16 team.
Joyce's departure leaves the Demon Deacons with just five returning scholarship letterwinners - seniors Eric Williams, Justin Gray, Chris Ellis and Trent Strickland, and sophomore Kyle Visser. Walk-on senior John Buck also returns in 2005-06.
