UConn junior Alex Oriakhi will pursue a transfer for his senior season in order to compete for another national title, the Connecticut Post reported Thursday.
Oriakhi's desire to move between Division I schools would normally force him to sit out a year.
But UConn's barring from the 2013 NCAA tournament because of a subpar academic progress rating makes him eligible to switch and play without delay.
Oriakhi, who helped the Huskies to national glory in 2011, informed coaching staff and recently-appointed athletic director Warde Manuel of his decision to seek new pastures Wednesday afternoon, his father, Alex Oriakhi Sr., confirmed.
"Alex will transfer because of the NCAA tournament next year," Oriakhi Sr. told Hearst Connecticut Media Group.
His departure could begin an exodus from Storrs if the team remains ineligible for the postseason, with players either going pro or relocating to compete for national honors.
UConn has appealed the NCAA ruling and also could be handed a reprieve if the NCAA alters its timetable for APR data collection to a more recent sample.
Oriakhi Sr. said his son would seek a transfer irrespective of whether UConn's ban was lifted. He also confirmed that the 6-foot-9, 240-pound forward was not concerned with the 2012 NBA Draft.
