Averette announces intent to transfer
On Tuesday, Oklahoma State sophomore point guard Brandon Averette announced via Twitter his intent to transfer to another school.
Averette played in every game this season, starting six. Primarily serving as the backup point guard to graduate transfer Kendall Smith, Averette averaged 6.3 points and 2.9 assists.
The university fully intends to grant Averette his release, a university official told The Oklahoman.
In a tweet that featured #CowboyForever, Averette thanked coach Mike Boynton and the rest of the Cowboys' staff. Averette is the first player to transfer from OSU since Boynton became the coach just more than a year ago.
"First and foremost I would like to thank God for blessing me with the opportunity to play for Oklahoma State these past 2 years," Averette wrote. "It has been a great experience and I have learned a lot both on and off the court. I would also like to thank Coach Boynton and the staff for pushing me everyday to be the best I can be. Also I want to thank OSU and the fans for all of their support.
"After careful consideration I have decided to request my release to seek other options."
From Richardson, Texas, Averette originally committed to former OSU coach Brad Underwood at Stephen F. Austin, following Underwood and Boynton, then an Underwood assistant, to Stillwater.
When Boynton replaced Underwood after the latter left for Illinois, Averette elected to stay at OSU.
“Brandon and I met and talked about the future of Cowboys basketball," OSU coach Mike Boynton said in a release. "He felt it was in his best interest to pursue a different path for his educational and athletic career. My staff and I enjoyed coaching Brandon, and I appreciate his contributions to Oklahoma State Basketball over the past two seasons. We wish him the best as he moves forward."
Averette played at least 20 minutes in 17 of OSU's first 27 games but reached that number only once in OSU's final nine games.
His exit adds to the losses of seniors Smith, Jeffrey Carroll and Mitchell Solomon. Redshirt junior Tavarius Shine is also undecided on whether to return or explore professional opportunities.
Without Averette, OSU has no true point guard on its roster for 2018-19. If Averette and Shine both do not return, Boynton has four scholarships available for next season.