Two WSU men’s basketball players have decided to transfer to other schools, and another has been released from his National Letter of Intent. 

Head Coach Ernie Kent announced Tuesday that the team will play without Royce Woolridge and James Hunter, who both chose to transfer. 

  “I greatly enjoyed my visits with James and Royce and respect their reasons for moving on,” Kent said. “We wish them the best and consider them both to be great young men.”

Woolridge still has one more year of eligibility, and is on track to graduate from WSU during the 2013-14 academic year with a degree in human development. While he said he believes Kent will take the WSU program to the next level, Woolridge feels he has a responsibility to his family. 

            “I commend Coach Kent for being so understanding,” Woolridge said. “I’ve enjoyed my three years here and am proud that I will be able to call myself a Washington State graduate. I am looking to continue my education by attending graduate school and playing my final season at a school in Arizona to be closer to my grandmother.”

  Woolridge averaged 9.2 points and 2.7 assists per game during his time with the Cougars. 

Hunter is set to graduate during this academic year as well. He also expressed his gratitude to Kent and the rest of the coaching staff for the opportunity at WSU. 

“I know I’m leaving my teammates in great hands and wish them all the success in the world,” Hunter said. “I am set to receive a great degree from Washington State, which allows me to pursue a master’s degree and play my final year of basketball elsewhere. I’ve enjoyed my time at WSU and made lifelong friends, but I know this decision is going to be best for my future.”

In two seasons with the team, Hunter played a total of 18 games. 

The final player Kent announced would be missing in the upcoming season is Jermaine Morgan, who signed his National Letter of Intent with the Cougars during the early signing period. According to Kent, Morgan’s decision was based on family matters. 

“Jermaine Morgan feels he needs to stay closer to home as a member of his family deals with medical issues,” Kent said. “I granted him the opportunity to do that by releasing him from his scholarship. We wish him well.”