Minnesota Gophers: Josh Martin will transfer

Freshman forward Josh Martin plans to transfer from the University of Minnesota, according to a Monday press release. Martin is an athletic 6-foot-7 power forward from Washington. He averaged 1.3 points and 1.0 rebounds in just over five minutes per game with the Gophers. Amelia Rayno of the Minneapolis Star Tribune first reported the news:

Given Martin’s limited playing time early this season, the transfer isn’t a huge surprise. The decision comes at a bad time for the Gophers. The team only has 9 scholarship players available with forward Gaston Diedhiou’s availability still up in the air. The earliest that Diedhiou will be eligible is January.

Minnesota supporters probably would’ve liked to see the announcement made before onetime Gopher lean Alex Illikainen committed to rival Wisconsin. Illikainen is a Minnesota native currently playing for Brewster Academy.

Many believed he would’ve picked Minnesota if he had the option. Unfortunately, the Gophers didn’t have any scholarships left after receiving a commitment from guard Jarvis Johnson.

If his initial recruitment is any indication, homesickness probably didn’t play much of a role in the decision. Martin originally picked Minnesota over scholarship offers from Florida State, Oklahoma State, and Pittsburgh.