:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/31065553/480251771.0.jpg)
Tuesday, Virginia fans received an unexpected treat.
Harris Selected For State Farm College 3-Point Championship - http://t.co/hyaFhnrD7d #GoHoos
— Virginia Basketball (@UVAMensHoops) April 1, 2014
Could it be?
#UVa announces that Joe Harris has been selected to participate in the 3pt shooting competition on Thurs night in Dallas before Final Four.
— Cavs Journal (@CavsJournal) April 1, 2014
So, you're telling me Joe Harris, in a Virginia uniform, one more time?
UVa senior Joe Harris has been selected to participate in the 2014 State Farm College 3-Point Championship in Dallas on Thursday.
— NBC29 (@NBC29) April 1, 2014
Well that's fantastic!
Press releases were posted to VirginiaSports.com, the local Charlottesville media ran their stories, and the twitter was abuzz with excitement.
Before Wahoo fans could even set their DVR, however, an interesting tweet emerged Wednesday morning.
Billy Baron has replaced Joe Harris in the State Farm 3-Point Contest. It's tomorrow on ESPN at SMU at 8 p.m. local time. INSANE field.
— Jeff Goodman (@GoodmanESPN) April 2, 2014
I'm sorry, what? Did you say Billy Baron? The Billy Baron who played for UVa. and did this?
Say what now? RT @GoodmanESPN: Billy Baron has replaced Joe Harris in the State Farm 3-Point Contest.
— Phony Bennett (@IfTonyTweeted) April 2, 2014
If Joe Harris is going to be replaced by Billy Baron then he should throw on his UVa uniform from 2010 for old times sake.
— Justin Ferber (@Justin_Ferber) April 2, 2014
But, why? What? As the day pressed on, there wasn't much information flowing as to why Joe Harris wasn't participating. Early afternoon, Wahoo Nation got their answer, and it somehow managed to raise their already maxed out opinions of the fourth year captain.
"I was incredibly honored by the opportunity to participate in the three-point competition," Harris said. "After reviewing the travel schedule and my class commitments, I just couldn't make it work. I would like to thank the State Farm College Three-Point Championship committee for their consideration and I wish the participants the best of luck in the competition."
There you have it. Joe Harris respectfully declined participation in the event because of academic obligations.
I LOVE JOE!! He withdrew to go to class instead! MT "@UVAMensHoops: Harris Withdraws From 3-Point Championship - http://t.co/viB1MAUqCX"
— Andrew Freiden (@AndrewNBC12) April 2, 2014
True 'Hoo. #HarrisforPresident. "#UVa senior guard Joe Harris withdraws from College 3-Point Championship because of academic obligations."
— Chloe Newschwander (@CSNewsch) April 3, 2014
Why did #UVa's Joe Harris withdraw from the 2014 State Farm College 3-Point Championship? Academic obligations. Why are we not surprised?
— Jerry Ratcliffe (@JerryRatcliffe) April 2, 2014
Not surprised, indeed. Coach Bennett truly has some extraordinary players on this team, both on and off the court. Hats off to you, Joe, for having your priorities straight in a time when the 'student' portion of student athlete is often overlooked. #SWOON
On a related/unrelated note, head over to virginiasportstv.com to participate in the ongoing Sweet Sixteen bracket of UVa. awesomeness from this season. Voting is on Facebook!