Five days
after getting knocked out in its NCAA tournament opener, Michigan's
basketball program suffered another setback with the announcement that
sophomore Evan Smotrycz is among three players who have decided to
transfer.
Coach John Beilein announced Wednesday that Smotrycz, sophomore Colton
Christian and freshman Carlton Brundidge are all leaving the program.
"We never like to see players leave the program, however, Evan, Colton
and Carlton have made the decision to transfer and continue their
careers elsewhere," Beilein said in a statement. "All three are fine
young men with bright futures. We wish them and their
families nothing but success going forward."
Smotrycz, a 6-foot-9 forward from Reading, Mass., averaged 7.7 points
and 4.9 rebounds last season. He started the first 18 games before
moving into a sixth-man role. His three-pointer to tie the score late in
regulation was a crucial play in the Wolverines'
overtime victory over Minnesota in a Big Ten tournament quarterfinal
game.
Christian, a 6-6 forward from Bellevue, Wash., played in 19 games last
season, averaging 2.7 minutes. Brundidge, a 6-1 guard from Southfield,
Mich. played in 15 games as a freshman, averaging 2.9 minutes.
The Wolverines are also losing three seniors in guards Zack Novak, Stu Douglass and Corey Person.
