IPRB has learned that former St. Anthony's standout Jio Fontan has asked Fordham to release him. Sources close to the situation confirmed that Jio's dad, Jorge Fontan, reached out to Fordham's Athletic Director, this afternoon requesting his release. "Jio's career at Fordham is over. His father pulled the plug today and told Jio that he won't let him play there anymore, confirmed a source close the situation. Fontan asked for his release last year but the school declined. Fontan was A-10 Rookie of the year in 2009. He was clearly the best player on Fordham's team.
Fontan started for the Puerto Rico 19U National Team last summer with his former teammate at St. Anthony's and best friend Mike Rosario. Jio was the backbone of that team and played a huge role in the teams success. Many had speculated that if Jio got his release he got to Rutgers. His performance at the World Championship and the fact that he is a really good student and will help him secure another opportunity to continue his collegiate career.
Said a Big East assistant coach, "If Jio gets released there will be a ton of schools interested. Jio is a pure point guard. It is so hard to find pure point guards who are proven performers under pressure. Jio has been getting it done since he was with Hurley (Coach Bob Hurley) at St. Anthonys. This is the first I'm hearing that he has again asked for his release. He's a great kid so I hope things work out for him."
