Freshman guard Justin Sofman will transfer from Rutgers. Sofman, a West Milford native, played in 14 games, averaging 2.0 points in 5.1 minutes per contest.
“Justin is a fine young man who contributed a great deal to our program, both on and off the court,” RU coach Fred Hill said. “We support him in his decision to transfer and wish him the best in the future.
Sofman is considering approximately 10 schools, mostly in the America East, the MAAC, the Northeast Conference and the Patriot League and hopes to decide by the end of April. He would have to sit out a year per NCAA regulations.
The 6-foot-4 Sofman, a former All-Area selection at West Milford High School, missed the first seven games of the season because of a jaw injury, and then played his first game against Princeton Dec. 1.
Rutgers has recruited several wing players, including McDonald’s All-American Mike Rosario of St. Anthony, and current junior Dane Miller of Rush Henrietta High, and Sofman saw the writing on the wall. With Rosario joining current wings Earl Pettis and Jaron Griffin, Sofman figured his playing time would not likely increase.
“Justin is going to explore other opportunities,” said Steve Sofman, Justin’s father. “Justin enjoyed his time spent with the Rutgers basketball program, and will be looking at other opportunities where he might play a more prominent role.”
