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We didn't see this one coming: UNC point guard Jeremiah Francis has decided to leave the Tar Heel program.
He didn't play a lot this year, partly because he was behind Cole Anthony, who took most of the point guard minutes when he was healthy, and partly because he had two knee injuries in high school that really set him back.
And next year UNC is loaded at his position with three or possibly four guys who could be ahead of him.
Presumably he’ll sit out this next season wherever he goes which will give him time to get back in top flight condition. He’s just had some tough breaks along the way. With luck he’ll show what he can do at his next stop.
UNC coach Roy Williams was gracious about the departure, saying this: “Jeremiah’s a wonderful young man. Our players and coaches enjoyed him being part of our program. I truly admired the work he put in to get back on the court after two full seasons of being injured in high school. We wish him the best wherever he chooses to resume his career.”
And at Georgia Tech, there’s a burst of transfer activity both ways as Evan Cole heads out to Utah Valley. Onward Kristian Sjolund! After saying he considered transferring earlier this year and changing his mind, he’s changed it again: he’s off to UTEP.
Two more are coming in as well as the Yellow Jackets make it official for 6-foot-11 Rodney Howard and 6-3 Kyle Sturdivant.
Howard comes over from nearby Athens, which should make the annual Georgia-Georgia Tech game really interesting, while Sturdivant follows Jordan Usher over from Southern Cal.