Joe Coleman to transfer from Minnesota

Joe Coleman is the first player to transfer after the coaching change at Minnesota. The Gophers announced Wednesday that Coleman has been granted a release

Joe Coleman, a Minnesota native, averaged 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore :: Genevieve Ross/AP

Joe Coleman is the first player to transfer after the coaching change at Minnesota.

The Gophers announced Wednesday that Coleman has been granted a release from his scholarship after two years. The shooting guard didn't see a place for himself in the program following the switch from Tubby Smith to Richard Pitino this offseason.

Coleman, who was the only Minnesota native remaining on the roster, averaged 8.7 points and 3.6 rebounds per game as a sophomore. He was a starter on the NCAA tournament team but an inconsistent player. He had 29 points at Illinois last season and 23 once as a freshman but only hit double digits 11 other times in Big Ten or tournament games.

Coleman had less than 10 points in 48 of his 72 games.