mherst, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts men's basketball coach Steve Lappas announced today that sophomore forward Willie Jenkins (Memphis, Tenn.) will transfer to another school at the end of the academic year.

"Willie thought that he would be able to play more in another program, so he's decided to transfer," Lappas said. "We are sorry that things didn't work out for him here, because he's a good person. We're going to help him in any way possible, and we wish him well."

Jenkins appeared in 24 games as a sophomore, drawing nine starts, and averaged 3.0 ppg and 2.2 rpg. He shot 29.5 percent from the field, 22.5 percent from three-point range and 83.3 percent at the foul line. Jenkins' lone double-figure scoring game of the season and his career was a career-best 12-point effort in UMass' 69-62 victory at North Carolina State, Dec. 4.

In two seasons as a Minuteman, Jenkins appeared in 42 games, drawing nine starts, and averaged 2.1 ppg and 1.4 rpg.

Due to NCAA rules which allow an institution to sign five men's basketball players in one year and nine over a two-year period, Lappas said the Minutemen will only be able to have 12 players on scholarship in 2002-03, and will be only able to use one of the two available scholarships.

MHERST - Willie Jenkins has become the University of Massachusetts men's basketball team's second sophomore small forward to transfer this year. On Monday he told UMass coach Steve Lappas that he plans to finish his college career elsewhere.

Jameel Pugh also announced he is transferring, prior to the team's final regular season game at Xavier.

"We talked about his role and where he fit into the team and he thought it would be better to transfer," said Lappas of Jenkins. "He'll continue to lift (weights) with the guys in the spring and we'll help him find a place to transfer to."

Past Jenkins headlines: Barbee helps UMass net recruit. (5/20/2000) Jenkins talented, yes sir. (10/26/2000) UMass swingman misses catfish. (11/9/2000)

Jenkins, a 6-foot-6 forward from Memphis, acknowledged that his decreased playing time was a factor, but not the only one.

"I kind of want to get closer to home because I never see my family," Jenkins said.

At the beginning of the season it appeared that Jenkins was going to be a key player.

He was a starter and made significant contributions in the team's season-opening four wins, which included victories over NCAA Tournament participants Oregon and N.C. State.

He played in 19 of the team's 25 remaining games, but his playing time dropped significantly. After averaging 20 minutes in the first four games, he averaged just over 10 the rest of the way. He averaged 3.0 points per game for the year.

Jenkins slipped on the team's depth chart behind sophomore Raheim Lamb and freshman Brennan Martin. UMass signed one small forward, Jeff Viggiano, and could play three guards next year when University of Connecticut transfer Marcus Cox becomes eligible.

Despite leaving, Jenkins praised UMass and Lappas.

"If anybody asked me, I would still tell them to come here," Jenkins said. "UMass is a good school and coach Lappas is a great coach and he's going to get the most out of you.

"For me it was a personal decision and I had to do what's best for me."

Because of the NCAA's 5/9 rule, which prohibits a school from signing more than five scholarship players in a season or more than nine in two seasons, the Minutemen cannot replace Jenkins until next year. UMass already has five players as part of next year's class: recruits Mike Lasme, Stephen Briggs, Alassane Kouyate, Viggiano and sophomore Gabriel Lee.

Because he was not on scholarship as an academic non-qualifier this year, Lee's status doesn't count until next year. Rashaun Freeman, the forward from Schenectady, N.Y., who signed with UMass this fall, will be a non-qualifier next year. His status won't count against the 5/9 rule until the following year.