The Kansas State Wildcats starting five took a big hit for next year as point guard Angel Rodriguez announced his intentions to transfer, Gary Parrish of CBS Sports reported on Monday.
Kansas State point guard Angel Rodriguez announces intention to transfer
The starting point guard for the Kansas State Wildcats said he wants to be closer to his mother and brothers, who all live in Puerto Rico.
Jamie Squire
More: Bring On the Cats
After leading the Wildcats to their first conference title share since 1977, Rodriguez won’t be able to wash the bad taste of a first-round upset in the NCAA Tournament out of his mouth while playing for Kansas State.
As the Kansas City Star reported, coach Bruce Weber said Rodriguez wishes to finish his career closer to his mother and two brothers, who still live in Puerto Rico.
“His mother is raising his two younger brothers all by herself in San Juan and he just wants to be able to see them more often.”
Rodriguez’s growth in his sophomore season was a big reason for the Wildcats’ success. He was named to the Big 12’s all-conference second team, and was the second-leading scorer on the team at 11.4 points per game. He also was third in the Big 12 with 5.2 assists per game.
Ex-coach Frank Martin recruited Rodriguez out of Dr. Michael Krop High School in Miami, Fla., where he was ranked as one of the top prospects in the state. He reportedly planned on transferring after Martin left, but Weber convinced him to stay for the year.
With Rodriguez transferring and senior Rodney McGruder hanging up his college shoes, the Wildcats are losing the two top scorers on the team. The Wildcats recently announced the signing of three-star point guard Nigel Johnson, who might have to play more minutes than originally expected as Weber attempts to fill the hole at point guard.
Because of the proximity to Puerto Rico, and considering that he played high school basketball in Miami, State of the U reported the Miami Hurricanes as a possible destination for Rodriguez.
More in College Basketball:
See More:
