No surprise: Explorers' erratic talent Murray opts to transfer

Anybody who paid the least bit of attention to La Salle basketball this season will not be shocked by this news: Sophomore big man Aaric Murray is transferring.

La Salle coach John Giannini had a seasonlong struggle with Murray. The megatalent was not always interested in the game. In fact, Giannini said that Murray really does not like the sport. It often showed in Murray's performances.

Murray had moments when he was great and other moments when he disappeared, sometimes in the same game. Giannini publicly defended his player, but anyone with eyes knew the coach was having a difficult time getting through to his star player.

Murray often wandered the sideline during games, appeared to not really pay attention during timeouts, sometimes acting out if he did not like the officials' calls. He was particularly inattentive at George Washington on Jan. 5, so Giannini suspended him for the Jan. 8 game against Richmond.

The coach thought that would solve the problem. It did for a while. Then, it didn't.

"This was a very difficult decision for me, and I wish Aaric the very best for his future," Giannini said. "I know Aaric always tried to do his best for La Salle, and we did all that we could to help him as a person and as a basketball player. We will continue to support Aaric in this process of finding another university."

Defense was Murray's biggest issue. It never seemed important, as it did not for many of his teammates. Which was why a talented La Salle team finished 15-18.

Murray will finish the spring semester at La Salle and then look for another school or possibly decide to play professionally.

Murray averaged 15.2 points and 7.2 rebounds last season after getting 12.2 points and 6.6 rebounds as a freshman. Murray blocked 143 shots in two seasons. He is a rare talent. But it simply was not working. *