The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Ryan Sayers Sophomore forward Curtis Kelly hopes to find more playing time elsewhere.

After two seasons with the men's basketball team, Curtis Kelly has decided to finish his collegiate career somewhere outside of Storrs.

In a decision expected for weeks, head coach Jim Calhoun announced Tuesday that Kelly, a sophomore from the Bronx, N.Y., has chosen to transfer, after he finishes the academic semester at UConn.

"Curtis and I met over the last several weeks and, although he loves the program, he would like more playing time," Calhoun said in a statement. "He and I both agree that he may have more opportunity for that playing time in another program. We wish Curtis the best of luck and success at wherever he decides to continue his college career."

Kelly is the second player to decide to transfer this offseason, joining former teammate Doug Wiggins, who announced his intent to leave the program last week. Kelly saw limited minutes in his two years at UConn, starting just one game and averaging only 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

"I love being here at UConn and have enjoyed my time over the past two years," Kelly said in a statement. "That was the toughest thing about this decision. But after talking with my family and with coach Calhoun, I feel I will have a better opportunity and get more out of my college experience if I go somewhere else."

The 6-foot-9 forward out of Rice (N.Y.) High School was named the New York City player of the year by the New York Post and the New York Daily News in 2006 for averaging of 21 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks per game, while leading Rice to city and state Catholic school championships. Despite the pre-UConn accolades, Kelly was unable to garner more than 8.5 minutes per game on a crowded bench.

Kelly scored a career-high 14 points in a win over Coppin State back on Dec. 27, 2006, and notched his career-high of nine rebounds in a game came last November against Morgan State.

Kelly last played for the Huskies on Feb. 23 at Villanova. In that game, he played just under a minute before dislocating his elbow and thus ending his season. Kelly's departure means he won't get to play with incoming point guard Kemba Walker, a fellow graduate of Rice High School.

The decision for Kelly to leave was a bittersweet one, as he has high hopes for next year's team.

"I respect coach Calhoun and will miss my teammates and the many friends I have here at UConn," he said. "I know that the guys here will have a great chance to do some special things next year, but I needed to be true to what will make me happy.

"I have learned a lot from coach Calhoun and I know that everything I have experienced the past two seasons will help me in the future."

There was no announcement about where Kelly was looking to transfer, but it won't be to another Big East school. Big East rules stipulate that a player cannot leave a conference school and transfer to another member school.



Contact Dan Olender at Daniel.Olender@UConn.edu.

Page 1 of 1

Article Tools