Je’lon Hornbeak seemed to be the embodiment of OU’s bright basketball future when he started all but three games as a freshman.
But just one year later, the guard is leaving the program.
Coach Lon Kruger announced Hornbeak’s decision to transfer Tuesday in a press release.
"It is always disappointing when a player leaves a program," Kruger said in the release. "But we all wish the very best for Je'lon."
The Arlington, Texas, native averaged 5.4 points, 2.3 rebounds and 2.1 assists in his two seasons with the Sooners.
Hornbeak spent some time running the point in his first year, but the emergence of freshman Jordan Woodard in 2013-14 limited Hornbeak’s minutes. He never started as a sophomore and averaged 18.2 minutes per game, down from 22.7 as a freshman. The guard also missed four games in December with a foot injury that lingered in the following weeks.
"The last two years, I had two sets of great teammates," Hornbeak said in the release. "We really set the bar for the incoming freshmen (next year). Now it's their job to keep raising that bar.
“I wish everyone good luck going forward. I'll be watching and cheering them on."
Kruger said in the release, the program will look to add a player at the guard position during the late signing period ahead of the 2014-15 campaign.
