Kansas State Guard Michael Orris To Transfer From Basketball Program

Freshman guard Michael Orris will transfer from the Wildcats’ basketball program, announced Kansas State coach Bruce Weber on Monday. Over the course of the season, Orris appeared in 15 games and contributed a total of four points this season behind a loaded stable of guards that included Rodney McGruder and Will Spradling.

While Orris has made nothing but positive statements about his year in Manhattan, it is questionable as to whether his heart was ever in the Little Apple. The 6’2″ guard from Crete, IL initially agreed to play at Illinois. When Weber was fired and subsequently hired by K-State, Orris followed his coach. “I have really enjoyed my time at K-State,” stated Orris in a press release from the University. “It is difficult to leave my friends, teammates and coaches, but I think this decision is the best for my future in basketball. I will always be appreciative of the opportunity given to me by coach Weber to come here and all the support by all those involved at K-State.”

It’s impossible for the media and outsiders to speculate on the true causes for Orris deciding to leave, and important not to jump to conclusions. It also reinforces the lesson that players should choose their University based on the school and program, not the coach – because only the former are guaranteed to be around when you’re an upperclassman. Orris originally committed to playing in Champaign and followed Weber to Manhattan out of loyalty, which no one can fault him for.

With his departure, a fifth scholarship spot has opened at Kansas State. However, the other four slots have already been filled and the team must now scramble to fill this final position. Orris’s twitter account – KSUbball44 – has been deleted; ostensibly because KSUbball will not define his identity come fall.