JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (AP) Former Indiana forward Hanner Mosquera-Perea is transferring to East Tennessee State.
ETSU issued a release Tuesday announcing the addition of Mosquera-Perea. The 6-foot-9 forward from Colombia must sit out the 2015-16 season due to NCAA transfer rules.
''He's a tremendous athlete,'' ETSU coach Steve Forbes said. ''He's a young man who will be able to score with his back to the basket in our league, and I believe he'll be somebody who will be able to protect the rim, block shots and get rebounds. I think he has the potential to be a dynamic player in our conference.''
Mosquera-Perea was dismissed from Indiana's team last month along with Devin Davis for what the school described as ''not living up to their responsibilities to the program.''
Indiana coach Tom Crean said Mosquera-Perea was there when Davis was cited for marijuana possession last month, though Mosquera-Perea wasn't charged. Mosquera-Perea also was arrested on a drunken-driving charge in February 2014.
Forbes said he has known Mosquera-Perea for over seven years. Forbes said he looked into his background and felt comfortable giving him an opportunity.
''I talked to Hanner about some of his past decisions,'' Forbes said. ''I just felt like he was a young man who deserves a second chance. I trust him. I believe in him. I think a fresh start for him is a good thing.''
Mosquera-Perea started 22 games for Indiana this past season and averaged 6.5 points, 4.3 rebounds and 19.4 minutes.
The move reunites Mosquera-Perea with former Indiana teammate Peter Jurkin, who transferred to ETSU last year. Jurkin, a 7-foot center, sat out the 2014-15 season due to NCAA rules, but is eligible to play for ETSU next season.
Forbes said he believes Jurkin's presence could help Mosquera-Perea have a smooth transition to his new school.
''I have known the coaches, especially Coach Forbes, for a long time now and I know he's the right coach for me,'' Mosquera-Perea said in a university release. ''Coach Forbes and Peter told me a lot about the school, the players, the community and the fans, and I knew right then that this was the place I wanted to be. I'm going to do whatever I can do to help the team win, and I'm going to spend the next year stepping up my game and working hard, so when I get back out there I'm able to make a difference for this team.''
