Freshman guard Harrison Niego informed the IU coaching staff Friday he will look to a Division I basketball program that will award him a scholarship rather than play another season at IU.
“Coming to IU and being part of the program has been one of the best experiences of my life,” Niego said in a press release. “After much thought, I have decided to look for opportunities that will allow me to have an expanded role on the court and one that will also pay for my education.”
A walk-on freshman, he was forced into major minutes this season after injuries to sophomore guards James Blackmon Jr. and Robert Johnson.
He played in 25 games off the bench and averaged 4.4 minutes a game. In a 113-69 win against Illinois on Jan. 19, Niego scored three points, had two assists, a rebound and two steals.
Niego will have to sit out one year at whatever school he transfers to, per NCAA regulations.
“We will miss Harrison, but I understand and we will support him fully and completely,” IU Coach Tom Crean said. “In our minds, he will always be part of our Hoosier family. He did everything that we had asked of him and more. He got better and made us better.”
Michael Hughes
