Charles Matthews will transfer from Kentucky, the school announced Wednesday.
The 6-foot-6 freshman guard will be granted a full release with no restrictions. His high school coach, Gary DeCesare, told SNY.tv that Matthews has not list as of yet.
Kentucky has a loaded recruiting class coming in, including a potential starting backcourt in point guard De’Aaron Fox and two guard Malik Monk. Freshman guard Isaiah Briscoe is also testing the NBA Draft waters and has until May 25 to decide about entering the Draft or returning to school.
“The hardest thing as a coach is to lose a player that you really want to coach,” head coach John Calipari said. “In Charles’ case, I believe he is going to be a productive college player who has the ability to play at the next level. I know Charles’ best basketball is ahead of him, and while I’m a saddened to see him go, I support his decision and will help in any way I can.
“It hasn’t happened very often in my career, but transferring is a part of our game. It doesn’t change who we are as a program. We will support every kid in whatever way we can to make sure they can pursue their dreams, because ultimately that’s all I want for these young men.”
Matthews was one of four Wildcats to play in all 36 games for UK during the 2015-16 season. He averaged 1.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in helping the Wildcats claim the Southeastern Conference regular-season and tournament championships.
“I want to thank the coaches, my teammates and the Big Blue Nation for all of their support this season,” Matthews said. “I gained great experience during my freshman year at Kentucky. This was a difficult decision for me, but at the end of the day I felt like it was in my best interest to explore other options. I appreciate the support Coach Cal has given me in making this decision and the commitment the coaching staff made to me for this past season and beyond. Kentucky will always hold a special place in my heart.”
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