For the third time this off-season, the K-State men’s basketball team has had a player transfer. However, unlike the last two players, this time the Wildcats have lost a starter. Sophomore point guard Angel Rodriguez has decided to leave to the program according to head coach Bruce Weber.
“After multiple conversations, Angel feels an obligation to be closer to his family,” Weber said. “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.”
This past season, Rodriguez averaged 11.4 points, 5.2 assists and 2.1 rebounds. These numbers were good enough for Rodriguez to be named to the All-big 12 second team. Rodriguez also started in 50 out of his 65 career games, as well as all but two of the 35 this season.
Rodriguez said it was a very difficult situation, but at the end of the day, it came down to being home with his family.
“It is important that everyone understands that this was a really difficult decision,” Rodriguez said. “I have really enjoyed my time here, and this decision was based entirely on my family and has nothing do with Kansas State, basketball or the coaching staff. It’s unfortunate after the year we just had, but I just feel right now this is the best thing for me and my family. Whether it is the right choice or not, family has and always will be first with me.”
Rodriguez will have two years of eligibility left at whichever school he decides to attend, and the Wildcats will have three open scholarships for the 2013-2014 basketball season.