Well, Alex Galindo is transferring. It seems to be with Kansas Coach Bill Self’s blessing, since the reasons are to get closer to home. Unfortunately for Pitt, closer to home is not New Jersey where he played high school ball and was recruited by Pitt.
Alex Galindo has decided to leave Kansas University after one season to play basketball closer to his native Puerto Rico.
“I feel I need a change of scenery to get closer to home,” Galindo, KU’s 6-foot-7 freshman guard/forward from Mayaguez, said Monday in announcing his plans to transfer to an unnamed school — possibly Florida International — at the end of the semester.
“I need a red-shirt year to get stronger and to develop my game. My mind is still open to where I will go, but hopefully it will be resolved in the next few weeks.”
Galindo, who averaged 4.3 points and 1.7 boards while playing in 23 games, indeed has made it clear he’s itching to play nearer to Puerto Rico.
…
Galindo’s mom, Socorro, said her son’s only problem with KU was the location.“It’s not anything to analyze. He doesn’t have problems with the coaches or players. He doesn’t have any bad feelings. He’s just not happy,” Socorro said. “I do know he misses (home).
“It was hard, real expensive (to visit),” she added. “If he goes to a Florida school, it will be a lot easier.
“It’s a great university and program, but he wasn’t happy. A lot of things could have influenced him wanting to leave. There’s not the Latin atmosphere there he was accustomed to.”
The University of Florida is also a possibility.
Just an aside, but as frustrated as Pitt feels. How miserable must Kansas fans be? A team with talent like Wayne Simien. Considered one of the best teams all year. Folds to Bucknell in the first round and then has to sit there and watch Roy Williams get his national championship with UNC after only 2 years. I feel a little better.
Pitt did add a new recruit to the 2005 class. Trevor Ferguson, out of Florida (click here for a picture). He was listed as #28 pre-season in Florida High Schoolers. He was considered one of the best players in the Tampa-St. Pete area.
The kid plays point and shooting guard. Pitt appears to be trying to find some guards with solid ball handling and passing skills.
