Sandi Marcius Officially Granted Release

Sandi Marcius' time at Purdue is officially over, the University confirmed today. He will graduate in approximately one month and be free to transfer and play immediately at another school next season. Where that will be is still unclear.

After redshirting the 2009-10 season, Marcius saw his playing time go up and down over the next three years at Purdue, though his total minutes increased each season. After a promising performance against Kansas to end the 2011-12 season, Marcius struggled early this season before finishing the final six games of the year with a bang.

I think because of those six games to end the season, most Purdue fans will forget how they felt about the guy for most of his career and will view his transfer as a negative thing. The fact is, Sandi likely saw that AJ Hammons would be playing in front of him next year, and likely getting a majority of the minutes at that, and wanted an opportunity to play and perhaps earn himself a European contract elsewhere.

Marcius averaged 9.3 minutes, 3.3 points and 2.5 rebounds per game this season.

“We have invested four years and significant resources into helping Sandi develop from both an educational and athletic standpoint,” coach Matt Painter said in the school's official release. “Certainly, having Sandi here for a fifth year was in our plans and we anticipated him having a great final year in our program. We wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

This frees up a scholarship for Matt Painter and his staff, should they seek immediate help for next season.

No other players have yet to announce their decision to transfer (and I don't know if any are forthcoming), so as of now Purdue will return Hammons (sophomore), Jay Simpson (redshirt freshman), Travis Carroll (senior), Donnie Hale (sophomore) and Jacob Lawson (junior) in the post. Hammons is the only official "center" of that group.