Freshman guard/forward Tristan Spurlock (Woodbridge, Va.) is leaving the Virginia men's basketball program. Spurlock and Virginia men's head basketball coach Tony Bennett mutually agreed on the decision. This comes as little surprise to most UVa fans, who have been speculating this for months.
"After a long discussion with Tristan and his family we have mutually agreed that it is best for him to leave the Virginia basketball program," Bennett said. "I appreciate what he's done for UVa basketball and understand his desire for a different playing situation. I fully support his pursuit of his goals and he has my best wishes for the future."
"Wow imma miss all my teammates and I love the uva fans," Spurlock said on Twitter today.
This news comes following a meeting on Sunday night with Bennett, who had individual meetings with each of the players. It was widely speculated that the meeting would determine Spulock's future with the program.
Fewer than two weeks ago, Spurlock had stated, "But I want to be here [at UVa], and as long as [the coaching staff knows] that, I think I'll be OK."
"I appreciate my experience at Virginia, but in light of current circumstances and after discussing the situation with Coach Bennett we've reached a mutual decision that it's in my best interest to seek a better situation relative to my goals," Spurlock said in a statement released today. "I've enjoyed my UVa teammates and wish them the best. I'm especially appreciative of the Virginia fans and how they've supported me during my time at UVa."
Fellow freshman player, roommate, and best friend Bub Evans, who saw significant playing time this year both off the bench and as a starter, has mentioned that his decision regarding Virginia would be independent of Spurlock's.
"I would stay here if that ever happened," Evans said.
Spurlock will finish the semester at Virginia.