Yahoo Finance Wisconsin coach Greg Gard ‘disappointed’ after Kobe King announces plans to transfer
After 19 games this season, Wisconsin guard Kobe King is planning leaving the program, he announced on Instagram on Wednesday.
The redshirt sophomore did not specify his reason for transferring, nor did he reveal any future plans.
“After talking with family and friends, I have decided that the best step for my future basketball aspirations, as well as my love for the game, is to immediately step away from the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball program,” he wrote, in part. “This has been a very tough decision for me, however after spending almost three years in the Wisconsin program I have realized that this program is not the right fit [for] me as a player and person.”
King has averaged 10 points and 2.8 rebounds in 19 games this season, and was the Badgers second-leading scorer. The La Crosse native and former Wisconsin Mr. Basketball led the Badgers in Big Ten play with 12.6 points per game, too.
King, though, did not travel with Wisconsin to Iowa for their 68-62 loss to the Hawkeyes due to a “personal matter.” He did not score in the Badgers’ 70-51 loss to Purdue on Friday, either, but played 28 minutes. Wisconsin has now lost three of its last four games ahead of Saturday’s matchup with No. 14 Michigan State.
The move isn’t one that Badgers coach Greg Gard was very happy about.
"Being a student-athlete in the Wisconsin men's basketball program is a special privilege and opportunity, and I'm disappointed that Kobe has chosen to leave, particularly at this point in time," Gard said in a statement, via Madison.com. "But I respect his right to do what he feels is in his best interest. I wish Kobe all the best.
"We are a resilient team. I am confident in our staff and players. We are moving forward fully committed to each other and to achieving our collective goals."
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