Report: Former Michigan forward Colton Christian transferring to Florida International
Former Michigan basketball player Colton Christian has decided he will transfer to Florida International, according to a tweet posted by Scout's Evan Daniels.
Christian, a junior from Belleue, Wash., announced after last season he would leave the Michigan program. He later cited playing time as the primary reason.
Christian averaged 4.7 minutes per game as a freshman, then 2.7 last year. After sitting out one season according to NCAA transfer rules, he will have two years of eligibility remaining at Florida International.
Former Michigan forward Colton Christian will transfer to Florida International, according to a report.
AnnArbor.com file photo
"(I wanted to) play more," Christian told reporters after the team's postseason banquet. "I love the coaching staff and the players here, but (I'd like to) play more and they understood how I felt.
"Just really go somewhere that I feel that I can make an impact on the court. I felt like I helped the team a lot in practice here, but I'd like to take the next step and go play some more."
Florida International went 8-21 last season and fired coach Isiah Thomas. It hired Richard Pitino, son of Louisville coach Rick Pitino, to replace him.
Michigan has lost three players since it was upset by Ohio in the first round of the NCAA tournament, as Evan Smotrycz and Carlton Brundidge also left the program.
Smotrycz, a forward with two years of eligibility remaining, has landed with Maryland. Brundidge, a guard with three years left, has not announced a destination.
Comments
heartbreakM
Thu, May 10, 2012 : 3:13 a.m.
So these kids want to play. I get that. But does winning matter to them? Does the quality of the university matter to them? (Not to knock Florida International, but it is not in Michigan's class from what I can tell). The weird thing was that Christian was beginning to play more during the second half of the year. And the other weird thing--if he's looking for playing time, and he can't beat the good players that are at Michigan, what kind of program is he going to look for? Weird decision. Figured he would end up back in Washington near home.
FRED
Fri, May 11, 2012 : 7:59 a.m.
No need to knock the kid. Just like Evan, Christian sees the writing on the wall with the 2012 class. Perhaps he feels more comfortable being a bigger fish in a small pound and there is nothing wrong with that. Not everyone wants to ride the coat tail of others, even if it means having the chance to win a NCAA Championship. Having more secured opportunities to play consistently and forge his own identity could be more important for Christian. He also sounds like a great kid - attended year-end banquet after announcing his intention to transfer - showing class and respect for his teammates. Best wishes to him @ FIU.
boo
Thu, May 10, 2012 : 1:49 a.m.
i get that kids want to play. But really? Does he really think he is going to play his way to the NBA or Europe? A degree from a nationally recognized University, a chance to win Big Ten championships and be a part of a final four team is not enough? good luck.
Veracity
Thu, May 10, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
I would guess that the dream of a NBA career is motivating him. If he can average 30 points a game along with 5 assists and 5 steals a game then a NBA team may give him a look, even if his team doesn't win a game during the season. Remember how Ryan Mallett blossomed as a quarterback at Arkansas after leaving Michigan and was drafted in the third round by the New England Patriots?
UlyssesWrong1
Wed, May 9, 2012 : 11:42 p.m.
Looks like he JUST missed the chance to play for fledgling college coach Isiah Thomas.