Following the men’s basketball team’s return from their 14-day quarantine, it was announced that ETSU’s most experienced player, redshirt senior Patrick Good (Johnson City, Tennessee), is opting out of his final season with the Bucs, citing COVID-19 concerns.
The announcement was made initially by head coach Jason Shay through a press release.
“After having multiple conversations with Patrick, he decided to utilize the NCAA 2020 opt-out opportunity for his final season,” Shay said. “During our meetings, I made it very clear that I support his decision to opt out for the health and safety of his family.”
Good posted on his Twitter page that he had tested positive for COVID-19 last month and wrote that he feared he put his family at risk. He mentioned on Twitter that the decision to opt out “has been the most difficult decision” of his life.
“ETSU and David Crockett [High School] will forever have a special place in my heart,” Good wrote on his Twitter page. “Thank you for allowing me to express myself with you guys on the court as well as off the court.”
Shay expressed his support and gratitude towards Good via a Zoom press conference on Thursday.
“It was a privilege to coach Pat for the last three years,” said Shay. “Pat was a great teammate. His attitude [and] his positive energy uplifted everybody around. His shooting ability, and his intelligence, being a coach’s son, to rise to the occasion were incredible.”
Good averaged over 23 minutes played last season, as well as averaging 7.5 points per game. He played in 33 of the Bucs’ 34 games, and posted a stellar 26-point game in a thrilling 68-67 comeback victory versus Western Carolina University late last season.
“Pat helped us win many games,” Shay said of his former player. “Pat has left an indelible mark on our ETSU program.”
