Press Release from the Athletic Department
LAWRENCE, Kan. - Kansas men’s basketball coach Bill Self announced Thursday that guard Tyrone Appleton and forward Quintrell Thomas are seeking to transfer following the spring 2009 semester.
“During our season-ending meetings, Tyrone and Quintrell discussed their roles with me and have expressed their interest to transfer,” Self said. “They have chosen to attend a university where they can have expanded roles.
“Tyrone and Quintrell played an integral part of our success in winning the Big 12 title and advancing to the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 this past season,” Self added. “We, as a staff, know whoever gets them will be getting good, hardworking players. They have been fabulous young men, good teammates and solid ambassadors for the university.”
A junior from Gary, Ind., Appleton played in 21 games last season and averaged 2.2 minutes per contest. The 6-2 guard scored a season-high four points against New Mexico State on Dec. 3, and against Albany on Dec. 30. His most memorable game of the 2008-09 season came when he logged six minutes against North Dakota State in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Appleton transferred to Kansas from Midland (Texas) College following his sophomore season.
“Kansas has been a great experience, one that I will never forget,” Appleton said. “I enjoyed my teammates, coaches and the fans. I am just looking for more time on the court and don’t see it here. I want to be able to have a solid senior season.”
A freshman from Newark, N.J., Thomas appeared in 26 games last season and started the 2008-09 opener against UMKC. The 6-8 forward averaged 5.4 minutes, 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game. Thomas scored a season-high 10 points against New Mexico State (Dec. 3) and had six games of four-plus rebounds, including seven against Florida Gulf Coast and New Mexico State.
“Kansas has been great with the fans, my teammates and the tradition,” Thomas said. “I think by transferring, I can find an expanded role elsewhere. I want to thank the basketball staff and administration for the opportunity to play at Kansas and have no ill feelings toward the program.”
Denver's thoughts after the jump...
The questions had been bouncing around for sometime now. Kansas was already one over the limit and in order to bring on someone like Xavier Henry there would need to be at least one more spot free.
Quintrell and Tyrone will likely benefit a great deal from a change of scenery. With the depth in Lawrence right now it would have been a year or more before Quintrell would have seen significant minutes and Tyrone was likely going to be sitting near the end of the bench with the guard depth.
All in all it sounds like they leave with no ill will and have enjoyed their time at Kansas. Solid players that represented themselves well during there time here and I wish them the best of luck.
All that said we know now that Xavier Henry, CJ or Lance are priority numero uno right now and Self is out working to close that deal. If he can do it we've got an extremely deep and talented team taking the court next year as it appears more and more the case that both Sherron and Cole will be back. If you RCT'ers thought this year was fun just wait.
One more note worth mentioning, Catspause which is the rivals site for Kentucky has run a story reporting that while Orton at this point has not asked for his release, he may and if he does Kansas would likely be the frontrunner. Think Brady would pay his own way still? I doubt it happens but can anyone imagine the disgusting rotation and options available if this came to pass. Fun to think about nonetheless.