After receiving very little playing time in an Arizona uniform, Justin Simon will transfer, the school confirmed Monday morning.
Simon averaged 7.5 minutes per game this season for the Wildcats, adding just 2.3 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.
“Justin did an outstanding job in our program this year,” said head coach Sean Miller in a statement. “He was an excellent student and teammate while representing our program in a first-class manner at all times. I look forward to helping him in any way I can as he transitions to another university to reach his goals.”
Many have compared Simon’s struggle to find playing time to that of Gabe York, who faced a similar challenge his freshman year. York decided to continue in Miller’s system, while Simon has decided to bolt.
Similarly, the potential class coming in next year features several guards and top notch wing players, potentially squeezing out Simon.
We might’ve had our differences and fell off a bit but your still my boy I hope you kill it no matter where you go ! pic.twitter.com/gMgjfmSoE1
— Ray Smith (@raysmith2297) March 28, 2016
Out of high school, the 6-foot-5 point guard out of Temecula, California, was considered the No. 37 prospect in the ESPN 100 and received a four-star grade from Scout.
Before signing with the Wildcats, Simon received a plethora of offers from schools around the country including UCLA, USC, San Diego State, Louisville, Florida and Cal.
“I enjoyed my year at the University of Arizona,” Simon said in a statement. “I would like to thank my coaching staff, teammates and the incredible fans here for all they did for me. My decision to transfer is centered on playing time. I would like a bigger role as a basketball player. Hopefully, I will be able to find this at my next program.”
At the moment, Simon is not thought to have a list of schools he is thinking about.
