Kyle Wilson decides to transfer

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Sophomore Guard Leaves UMass Program
Kyle Wilson will transfer before second semester classes begin in Amherst.
From UMass Athletics, 1/6/2003

MHERST, Mass. -- University of Massachusetts head men's basketball coach Steve Lappas announced today that sophomore guard Kyle Wilson (White Rock, British Columbia) has left the program for personal reasons and will transfer to another school in time for second semester classes to begin.

Kyle Wilson
"Kyle is a good person, and we're sorry that things didn't work out for him here," Lappas said. "I believe he wants to find a situation that's a little closer to home for him and his family, and we are going to help him do that. We wish him well and will do everything we can to help him find another school."

Wilson appeared in four games during the 2002-03 season, averaging 1.5 ppg and 0.3 rpg in 4.0 mpg. He tallied three points in appearances against both Boston College and Marshall.

As a freshman in 2001-02, Wilson saw action in 29 games, drawing seven starts, and averaged 3.9 ppg and 1.3 rpg in 16.9 minutes per appearance. He shot 30.6 percent from the field, 33.8 percent from three-point range and 75.0 percent at the foul line, while ranking third on the team in assists with 53.

Wilson scored a career-high 17 points in UMass' 63-53 homecourt victory over Temple, Jan. 19, 2002. The first recruit to sign with Lappas at Massachusetts, he earned the team's Rafer Giles Sixth Man Award as a rookie when he contributed five or more points 10 times.

Ranked as Canada's top point guard as a prep senior at White Rock Christian Academy in White Rock, B.C, Wilson averaged 26 points, four rebounds and 12 assists in his final high school season when he led his team a runner-up finish at the provincial tournament and 35 victories.

Wilson transfers from UMass
By Matt Vautour, The Daily Hampshire Gazette Staff Writer, 1/7/2003

MHERST - Sitting on the bench over 3,000 miles from home wasn't the college basketball experience sophomore Kyle Wilson was looking for at the University of Massachusetts.

The North Vancouver, British Columbia native announced Monday that he has decided to transfer.

Wilson's wife Kristel (center) and son Kyle Junior at last year's Temple game.
UMassHoops.com photo
"It was a tough decision. I like the people here. It was mostly just getting closer to home," said Wilson, who was married last summer and has a young son. "I want to go someplace where my friends and family will get a better chance to see my games and get a fresh start on my career."

Wilson, 19, was a regular in the UMass rotation last year as a freshman, averaging 16.4 minutes per game as backup at both guard spots. He averaged 3.9 points per game, highlighted by a career-high 17 in UMass' win over Temple.

The arrival of Connecticut transfer Marcus Cox and freshman Mike Lasme limited Wilson's time. He had only appeared in four games this year before making the decision.

Wilson, who is considering Boise State, San Jose State and Washington State, will have to sit out the spring semester this year and the first semester next year, but will be eligible next December and can play for 2� seasons.

Wilson originally signed to play for Minuteman coach Steve Lappas at Villanova and followed the coach when he came to UMass.

Lappas said he wished him well and was disappointed to see him depart.

"He's a great kid and he's grown up a lot in the last year-and-a-half. We wish him nothing but the best," Lappas said. "I think the world of that kid. I tried to talk him out of it (Monday). A lot of coaches that have guys that don't play hope they leave. I wasn't hoping that. I think he's a great kid and was a credit to the program.

Wilson leaves UMass after a year and a half.
UMassHoops.com photo
"He told me 'Coach, I know I'm probably not going to be a pro, but I would like the chance to play Division I basketball.'"