Brian Bernardi is the latest player to leave SMU.
The 6-foot-2 sophomore shooting guard from New York Xaverian obtained his release and will become the fourth SMU player this offseason to transfer. He averaged 3.5 points in 31 games last season and will have three years of eligibility remaining.
“After careful consideration, Brian has asked for and been granted his release from SMU,” New Heights coach Chris Alesi told SNY.tv.
“With the additions of Crandall Head and Keith Frazier, playing time moving forward was the main issue, but Dallas, TX is a long way from Staten Island, N.Y. This will allow Brian to be closer to home.
“Larry Brown has turned SMU into a basketball power in the span of a little over a year. There is not a better coach or person on the planet than Coach Brown, as he and Brian share a great relationship. So did he and Jerry Hobbie, who recruited Brian to Matt Doherty’s staff. He has been given the opportunity to explore his options but would also be welcomed back at SMU.
“Brian has been contacted by George Washington, Hofstra and Dayton but will take his time and the family will evaluate all his options.”
Bernardi follows Blaise Mbargorba (Boston University), Jordan Dickerson (Penn State) and Uche Ofoegbu (San Francisco) out the door at SMU.
