By SEAN BOCK
Kentucky redshirt sophomore Tai Wynyard will transfer, the school announced on Monday.
Wynyard will be granted a full release with no restrictions.
“This decision wasn’t an easy one for me to make and I appreciate the commitment and support Coach Cal and the staff gave me in reaching it,” Wynyard said in a statement. “My goals haven’t changed. After meeting with Cal, something that he always talks about is doing what’s best for the individual. Everyone is on a different path. Although that path will be somewhere else, I’ll never forget this place. From day one, beginning with my first home game vs. Louisville in 2015, this place has shown me nothing but love. I want to thank you for your support. Kentucky will always hold a special place in my heart.”
Wynyard enrolled at Kentucky in December 2015 and redshirted his first season. He appeared in 23 games during his two years but suffered a back injury this year which cut his season short.
“We haven’t had a lot of players transfer, but when a player comes to me and asks for a fresh start, I will always support them,” head coach John Calipari said. “We talk all the time about this being a new experience for our players, but I believe it was even tougher for Tai because of where he came from. To come to a new country in the middle of the season and try to carve out a role was difficult, but I’m proud of Tai for the person he’s grown into.
Last summer, Wynyard suited up for New Zealand at the 2017 FIBA U19 World Cup and averaged team highs in points per game (13.8) and rebounds per game (9.2) in six games.
Kentucky’s Tai Wynyard will transfer. Could also potentially play pro in New Zealand. pic.twitter.com/t2ePi2bra4
— Adam Zagoria (@AdamZagoria) April 2, 2018
Photo: Louisville Courier-Journal
