Ex-Michigan basketball forward Evan Smotrycz has narrowed his transfer list to six schools
Evan Smotrycz is one step closer to finding a new home outside of Ann Arbor.
The former Michigan basketball forward told Scout.com on Tuesday that he has narrowed his transfer list to six schools.
"I kind of narrowed my list this weekend," Smotrycz told Scout.com's Ben Weixlmann,"to Colorado, Maryland, Baylor, Xavier, Clemson and Providence."
Evan Smotrycz (23), who announced earlier this month that he's leaving Michigan, has narrowed his transfer list down to six schools.
Angela J. Cesere | AnnArbor.com
Earlier this month, Smotrycz -- who averaged 7.7 points and 4.9 rebounds as a sophomore last season with the Wolverines -- was one of three players that opted to leave the Michigan program.
After being used as a part-time starter for his two seasons at Michigan, the 6-foot-9 Smotrycz is now in search of a better fit.
"This is something Evan's been thinking about for some time," Smotrycz's mother, Charleen, told AnnArbor.com at the time. "He was kind of assessing things along the way, things he needed to work on and things that he felt would make him a stronger player, not just at Michigan but moving forward.
"He's not an impulsive guy, he's pretty methodical. He did a review at the end of the year and just felt this was the right decision for him. ... But he owes so much to Michigan and John Beilein and that whole group, they've been unbelievable for him.
"He wasn't happy and he felt that he needed to take a pause, head home and kind of re-assess what he was looking for in the next step of his life, and we supported him."
Smotrycz told Scout.com that he'll be taking a visit to Providence this weekend before possibly stopping by Maryland and Colorado after that.
"I'm not looking to be flying all over the place and stretching out the decision," Smotrycz told Scout. "But at the same time, this is my only second chance, so I don't want to mess anything up and make sure I get the right spot. It would definitely have to be a little before summer school starts so I could get down to school for that."
Nick Baumgardner covers Michigan basketball for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2514, by email at nickbaumgardner@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @nickbaumgardner.
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Comments
Dave
Thu, Apr 5, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
I wish Evan Smotrycz the best, but I am curious as to what made him so unhappy. Life is too short to be bitter over a college kid's decision. He should have the right to seek a place that may make him happier. No need to begrudge his or Trey Burke's decision. However, in Burke's case, I really do think he would be served better if stayed at least one more year partially for selfish reasons but also because on most draft boards he has the possibility of not even getting drafted. Regardless, whatever he thinks is best for him and his family, he should do.
Macabre Sunset
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 8:11 p.m.
This one puzzles me, unless it's about academics. But given his list of schools, he still feels he can qualify academically at a decent university. Where else but here would a kid his size get to play guard?
SalineBob
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 5:30 p.m.
I figured with two years of eligibility he'd be quietly exploring high academic mid-major schools that made the NCAA Tournament. The "announcement" that he's narrowed it down to 6 schools sounds like he's enjoying the recruiting process all over again. But who's recruiting whom? Does the style of play at these 6 schools better fit his own capabilities any better than they did at Michigan?
ArthGuinness
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 3:03 p.m.
Yup, I still wish him luck. Not every match is a match made in heaven.
Matt Weaver
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
never going to be good enough to go pro........now looking for a second rate degree.......enjoy your insurance sales career.........
rightmind250
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 1:14 p.m.
The fact is UM has problems on its bb team. Word on the street is Trey has hired an agent and he has dropped out of school. Why don't we get any articles about this? Lately, the only players that stay at UM are the ones that have no other choice. ie Brick Hardaway.
tim
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 10:04 a.m.
Sounds like he felt that Michigan was no preparing him for the NBA.-----------"He was kind of assessing things along the way, things he needed to work on and things that he felt would make him a stronger player, not just at Michigan but moving forward".
Hebner
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
Why print this...this is the Arizona State coaching move in 1988. Bo removed the coach because he was no longer a Michigan man; same thing here. Goodbye! good luck...we still have a team. Please stop the print and pictures, he is not a Michigan player anymore.
boo
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 3:05 a.m.
selfish players don't deserve to play for Michigan. His scholarship will be used to bring in a better player anyway. Go Blue.
burton163
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 2:39 a.m.
Let's check in on Evan in two years to see how this decision of his to transfer away from UM pans out. My guess? Not so much. Dumb move, Evan. Dumb move.
1bit
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 12:08 a.m.
Happiness is a state of mind, not where you are. Good luck, Evan, and hope everything works out the best for you.
johnnya2
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 1:35 a.m.
Tell that to Charles Manson and the rest of those on death row.
Chase Ingersoll
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 11:01 p.m.
Do any of you ever consider that just because a person has an ability that puts them in the top 1% of a population, they may not actually be that crazy about what everyone thinks they should be devoting themselves to - in this case, your teams basketball player? When I was around Smotrycz age, everyone that had me in their circle of influence, thought I should be a lawyer. But for the most part, I could not stand being around people in law school, so during the summer I drove commercial trucks and back at school I spent most of my time volunteering at the homeless shelter, and writing in coffee shops as preparation for what I really wanted to do - run off to Eastern Europe and write a 1990's version of J. Kerouac's "On the Road". Give the kid some space and let him do what he thinks he needs to do, to be what he wants to be. Chase Ingersoll
kejamder
Wed, Apr 4, 2012 : 3:41 a.m.
i think a lot of the frustration develops because it seems like an arbitrary decision or that it must be something specific about michigan's program that's making him leave, and we don't know what that is. it's not that he doesn't want to play basketball; he's transferring, not quitting. i understand a change of heart about what you do in life, but i think a lot of us are simply confused - what's wrong with michigan?
RWBill
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
Was it the prospect of continued marginal playing time in defference to Big Dawg Robinson, Jr., and McGary that was the primary factor?
towny
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 10 p.m.
Marginal player who has received too much press. Good Luck, but not sorry to lose you. Positive side is another scholarship to fill with better player. Onward and upward. Go Blue !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1.
jpud
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 9:28 p.m.
He should reconsider whether his unhappiness is situational or not. If a tall guy who likes to hang out around the 3 point line rather than rebounding, blocking shots, posting up, setting the pick and roll, and setting picks against big bodies thinks he is going to find a better fit than Coach B, then he seriously needs a reality check. Frankly, he should embrace his misery and channel it like Bill Lambeer. He needs to turn the scowl to his advantage whereever he goes.
towny
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 10:01 p.m.
Well said. I agree 100%.
observer
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 9:03 p.m.
Based on the schools named, I think he would be better served by staying......
heartbreakM
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 8:45 p.m.
well, given that list, it was not distance from home that was making him not feel right. Anyway, my frustration at his initial announcement has subsided, and we'll see what he does. Of the schools he lists, it doesn't seem like any of them will be a place he could come in and dominate, unless he stops shooting below 20% in conference play. We surely will miss him.
semperveritas
Tue, Apr 3, 2012 : 8:24 p.m.
evan-----with two years of eligibity remaining-----familiarity with the system-----an opportunity to play immediately and at the position you desire-------merely cancel all those travel plans-----make a U turn and come back to A2. you could become a star.