Matt Simpkins to transfer from U of M
By: Joseph Russell
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: Sports
Following a turbulent freshman year, Tigers forward Matt Simpkins will transfer to another university following the Spring 2009 semester, University of Memphis men's basketball coach Josh Pastner announced Tuesday.
"We've been talking the last few days and Matt has decided, he felt that it's best for him to look elsewhere," Pastner said. "We're going to do everything we can to assist him, and make sure he finds the best program that's right for him."
Simpkins, who was cleared to play Dec. 4 following a hold-up with the NCAA clearinghouse, played in 14 games and averaged 1.4 points and 1.5 rebounds.
Pastner added that The U of M athletics office will help Simpkins and his family find a university where he can fit in "academically, athletically and socially."
"I've known Matt and his mom for a very long time, because when I was at Arizona, we were recruiting him over there," Pastner said. "I've known his family for a long time, so we've had a really good, long-standing relationship."
Pastner said the decision came following a series of one-on-one meetings with the players. Former Tigers coach John Calipari had suspended Simpkins from the team last season for breaking team rules, but Pastner had been working with the mindset that he would have the 6-foot-9 forward for the 2009-2010 season.
"It's a mutual thing - very positive - and we wish Matt nothing but the very best," Pastner said. "Matt felt it was best for him to move on elsewhere."
Out of high school, the Oakland, Calif., native was a national top-75 recruit. In his final prep year at The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., Simpkins averaged 17.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.1 blocks. He helped lead the Bulldogs to a 32-2 record in 2007-08.
"We've been talking the last few days and Matt has decided, he felt that it's best for him to look elsewhere," Pastner said. "We're going to do everything we can to assist him, and make sure he finds the best program that's right for him."
Simpkins, who was cleared to play Dec. 4 following a hold-up with the NCAA clearinghouse, played in 14 games and averaged 1.4 points and 1.5 rebounds.
Pastner added that The U of M athletics office will help Simpkins and his family find a university where he can fit in "academically, athletically and socially."
"I've known Matt and his mom for a very long time, because when I was at Arizona, we were recruiting him over there," Pastner said. "I've known his family for a long time, so we've had a really good, long-standing relationship."
Pastner said the decision came following a series of one-on-one meetings with the players. Former Tigers coach John Calipari had suspended Simpkins from the team last season for breaking team rules, but Pastner had been working with the mindset that he would have the 6-foot-9 forward for the 2009-2010 season.
"It's a mutual thing - very positive - and we wish Matt nothing but the very best," Pastner said. "Matt felt it was best for him to move on elsewhere."
Out of high school, the Oakland, Calif., native was a national top-75 recruit. In his final prep year at The Patterson School in Lenoir, N.C., Simpkins averaged 17.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 5.1 blocks. He helped lead the Bulldogs to a 32-2 record in 2007-08.