There are always plenty of college hoops players who transfer for one reason or another. Most of the time the reason for their leaving is due to a rift with coaches or teammates, other times it can be because of a lack of playing time. In the case of Trent Lockett, though, the junior guard who spent the last three seasons with the Arizona St. Sun Devils is looking to transfer to be closer to his ailing mother.
Reports had surfaced during the week that the Gonzaga Bulldogs had emerged as one of the favorites to land Lockett. Other reports also said he was planning to visit campus this weekend.
While the Bulldogs do remain involved with his recruitment, Lockett will not be visiting Gonzaga. We have more after the jump...
Here is the latest from The Arizona Republic, which recognized Lockett on Thursday for being named to the Pac-12 All-Acamdemic team.
Lockett, a 6-foot-5 guard, last season averaged team-highs of 13 points and 5.8 rebounds, but missed six games because of an ankle injury. Shortly after the season, he asked coach Herb Sendek for his scholarship release because his mother in Minnesota is ill. Since he's set to graduate this spring, Lockett could play immediately depending on his transfer choice.
On March 21, ASU released a statement from Lockett, saying that his focus needs to be on getting closer to his mother, while keeping his career goals in mind. "However, that does not mean I have closed the door on returning next season to ASU," he said.
Reports recently surfaced that Lockett was set to visit Gonzaga this weekend but that is not accurate. A source close to the situation, however, says Gonzaga is a possibility. Iowa State, Creighton and Marquette also have shown interest. Minneapolis media have reported Minnesota is in the mix.
There is no doubt that many programs are aggressively trying to land Lockett. While he would have just one season of eligibility remaining in college, all of these schools are typically either invited to or right on the cusp making of the NCAA Tournament. A player as talented as Lockett can be the difference between a first round exit and a deep run.
Despite not making the trip to Gonzaga this weekend, you can bet the coaching staff will continue to pursue Lockett. Stay tuned for updates as he is expected to make a final decision in the coming weeks.
For more on Lockett potentially joining the Bulldogs, head on over to The Slipper Still Fits.