Report: ASU freshman forward Sam Cunliffe expected to transfer
Dec 12, 2016, 3:50 PM | Updated: 10:13 pm
Portland State's Calaen Robinson, right, dives unsuccessfully for a steal on Arizona State's Sam Cunliffe (3) during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game Friday, Nov. 11, 2016, in Tempe, Ariz. (Patrick Breen/The Arizona Republic via AP)
(Patrick Breen/The Arizona Republic via AP)
Arizona State freshman forward Sam Cunliffe was reportedly expected to transfer from the program after playing 10 games for the Sun Devils, reports ESPN’s Jeff Goodman.
The starting small forward is averaging 9.5 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.4 assists in 25 minutes per game. He is shooting 35 percent overall and 41 percent on 3.7 three-point attempts per game.
An ASU source told SunDevilSource.com that “unspecified family issues” have at least a part in Cunliffe’s decision. Cunliffe went to Twitter Monday night and said the reports are speculation but that he is at home in Seattle.
https://twitter.com/SamCunliffe_3/status/808532931958472704
Per a program source, Cunliffe’s transfer is due at least in part to unspecified family issues. Was averaging 9.5 points in 25.4 minutes.
— SunDevilSource.com (@SunDevilSource) December 12, 2016
The reported transfer of the 6-foot-6, 200 pound forward is yet another hit to second-year head coach Bobby Hurley’s program, which has started 6-4 this season. Fellow members of the 2016 recruiting class Vitaliy Shibel (ACL injury) and Romello White (academics) have not played for ASU this season, while centers Jethro Tshisumpa and Ramon Vila have only been able to contribute in spot minutes.
It is unclear how the Sun Devils will weather another loss this year, though more of the team’s production will be picked up by rotation regulars Shannon Evans, Tra Holder, Obinna Oleka and Kodi Justice.
Cunliffe, a 4-star recruit from Rainier Beach High School in Seattle, scored a career-high 23 points to go with 10 boards and five assists on Nov. 23 against The Citadel in ASU’s 127-110 victory.
Scout.com’s Evan Daniels also reported the transfer.
