The Day

Sidney Wilson entered the NCAA transfer portal on Friday and will leave the UConn basketball program.

- By GAVIN KEEFE Day Sports Writer

Reserve forward Sidney Wilson, who's promising career never took off at UConn, is planning to transfer.

A redshirt sophomore, Wilson entered his name in the transfer portal on Friday. The news was first reported by Verbal Commits on its Twitter page.

He's the second player to leave the program since the season abruptly ended last month. Alterique Gilbert, a redshirt junior guard, announced that he'll use his final year of eligibilit­y at Wichita State, playing as a graduate transfer. Neither departure was a surprise. In Wilson's case, he struggled with personal and physical issues since arriving in Storrs. He appeared in 23 games — all as a reserve — this past season, averaging 3.3 points and 1.9 rebounds in 11.6 minutes per game.

His season highlight came in an overtime loss to Tulsa on Jan. 26 when he finished with 12 points and a career-best seven rebounds in 31 minutes. He played in only eight games and scored only eight points the rest of the season, missing some time due to a knee injury. He also was suspended for the East Carolina game on Feb. 29 for a violation of team rules.

Wilson, who's from the Bronx, came to Storrs in 2017 after changing his mind about attending St. John's. He sat out his first season as a transfer. He averaged 4.6 points in 18.7 minutes in 2018-19.

Prior to his first season in charge, coach Dan Hurley stated that Wilson's presence in the program was a big reason why he took the UConn job.

When asked about Wilson's status a few weeks ago, Hurley declined to speak about his case but talked in general about his roster.

"All these guys, they have their own hopes and dreams, where they see their careers going and does it all fit," Hurley said. "I wouldn't want to comment on any of these specific guys that haven't made any decision about where they want to be . ... Stay tuned on any movement."

With Wilson leaving, UConn now has two scholarshi­ps available. The Huskies are looking to dip into the transfer pool.

Some possibilit­ies include forward Landers Nolley II (Virginia Tech), swingman Tyrese Martin (Rhode Island) and guard Dimencio Vaughn (Rider) who all have put UConn on their lists. Vaughn, a graduate transfer, would be eligible immediatel­y while Martin and Vaughn would have to sit out a season before playing. g.keefe@theday.com

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