Kentucky G Charles Matthews will transfer

Kentucky men's basketball guard Charles Matthews has been granted full release without restrictions

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Kentucky guard Charles Matthews will transfer from the school, head coach John Calipari announced Wednesday.

“The hardest thing as a coach is to lose a player that you really want to coach,” Calipari said. “In Charles’s case, I believe he is going to be a productive college player who has the ability to play at the next level. I know Charles’s best basketball is ahead of him, and while I’m a saddened to see him go, I support his decision and will help in any way I can.”

Matthews has been granted a full release without restrictions.

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“I want to thank the coaches, my teammates and the Big Blue Nation for all of their support this season,” Matthews said. “I gained great experience during my freshman year at Kentucky. This was a difficult decision for me, but at the end of the day I felt like it was in my best interest to explore other options. I appreciate the support Coach Cal has given me in making this decision and the commitment the coaching staff made to me for this past season and beyond. Kentucky will always hold a special place in my heart.” 

The freshman played in all 36 games with the Wildcats during the 2015–16 season. He averaged 1.7 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.4 assists per game.

Matthews has not said where he will transfer.