FAYETTEVILLE -- Jimmy Whitt, whose playing time and scoring decreased significantly after a promising start to his Arkansas basketball career, is transferring after one season with the Razorbacks.
"After meeting with Jimmy, although I don't agree with his decision, I respect it," Arkansas Coach Mike Anderson said in a news release Wednesday announcing Whitt's transfer. "I had the privilege of watching Jimmy grow up over the years, and it was a pleasure coaching him during his freshman season.
"We wish him and his family the best as he pursues another institution to continue his collegiate career."
Whitt, a 6-4 guard from Columbia, Mo., couldn't be reached for comment Wednesday, but his father, Jim Whitt, said his son is "making a personal decision to get himself into a different type of program."
"Obviously if he's transferring, he didn't view it long range as the right type of fit for him personally, what he'd like to do," Jim Whitt said. "It's a decision he's making himself.
"Certainly I'd be just fine with him being there at Arkansas, but as a father I'm supporting my son. I also wish Coach A and Arkansas the best. I think he's a fine coach and will do a great job for the university."
Jim Whitt said his son has received a release from Arkansas and can be on scholarship at any other school that isn't in the SEC.
Jimmy Whitt said in a news release that he enjoyed his experience at Arkansas but feels it's time to make a change. He said it was a difficult decision and wished the Razorbacks success.
Jim Whitt said his son hasn't decided where he wants to transfer, but he will complete the spring semester at Arkansas.
"From Jimmy's perspective, he's going to look around and see where he can find a fit that suits him," Jim Whitt said. "For now, he's going to make sure he finishes the semester strong and comes out of there with some good grades."
Whitt averaged 30.6 points as a senior at Columbia Hickman and was rated among the top 80 high school players nationally when he signed with Arkansas.
It appeared Whitt would have a strong freshman season when he averaged 11.0 points in his first 6 games, including scoring 14 against Stanford and Charleston Southern, but he averaged 4.9 in the final 26 games.
Whitt averaged 24.9 minutes in the first 10 games as a starter, then 13.7 minutes the final 22 games playing off the bench.
In Arkansas' season-ending 68-61 loss to Florida in the SEC Tournament, Whitt was scoreless in eight minutes, going 0 of 3 from the field.
Whitt averaged 6.1 points, 1.7 rebounds and 17.2 minutes overall in 32 games and shot 38.7 percent from the field and 79.2 percent from the free-throw line. He averaged 5.4 points, 1.6 rebounds and 13.8 minutes in 18 SEC games.
Anderson, Arkansas' coach for five seasons, was Missouri's coach from 2007-2011 when he got to know the Whitt family.
Jimmy Whitt grew up attending Anderson's summer basketball camps at Missouri and became close friends with Razorbacks guard Manny Watkins, the son of Arkansas assistant coach Melvin Watkins, who also coached at Missouri.
"We've known Coach A and Coach Watkins for a long time," Jim Whitt said. "We consider them friends, and they always will be as far as we're concerned.
"I have a great deal of respect for both of them. They've been good to us, and they've been good to Jimmy. We really appreciate everything they've done for Jimmy."
Jim Whitt said his son discussed transferring with his family after the season ended, then met with Anderson this week after returning to Arkansas from spring break.
When Anderson met with the media March 21 to review the season, he said he expected all of the players to return and that Whitt had a "typical" freshman year.
"I think for all freshmen it's a learning curve, especially when you're playing at this level here," Anderson said. "To play with a team where we lost quite a bit ... it's kind of like you're learning on the job."
Without Whitt, Arkansas' guards for next season will include returnees Dusty Hannahs, Anton Beard and Watkins, and newcomers Daryl Macon and Jaylen Barford, two of the nation's top junior college players. C.J. Jones, a guard from Birmingham (Ala.) Central Park Christian, has committed to sign with the Razorbacks this spring.
Whitt is the third player Anderson signed at Arkansas to transfer while still a member of the team, along with guards Dee Wagner and Nick Babb. Wagner transferred to Angelo State after averaging 1.1 points in eight games as a sophomore during the 2013-14 season. Babb transferred to Iowa State after averaging 0.7 points in 26 games as a freshman during the 2014-15 season.
Forward Jacorey Williams, who played for the Razorbacks for three seasons, transferred to Middle Tennessee State last summer after being dismissed from the team by Anderson for disciplinary reasons.
Sports on 03/31/2016