Point guard Braxton Ogbueze has been granted his release to transfer from Florida, the school announced Wednesday.
Ogbueze’s decision stemmed from a lack of playing time during his freshman season, said his older brother, Klem.
“He wanted to play more,” Klem said. “It’s always been an option that could have been in the back of his mind. … The program didn’t have his best interest – maybe didn’t have his best interest from Day 1.”
Klem said Braxton – a Charlotte, N.C., native – could transfer to an ACC school so his family could attend more of his games, but Ogbueze is currently keeping his options open.
His decision comes a day after Rutgers’ leading scorer, guard Eli Carter, announced he would transfer to UF. Carter could apply for a waiver to be eligible to play in 2012-13, due to the circumstances of former Rutgers coach Mike Rice’s firing.
Klem said Ogbueze’s departure from the program has more to do with the coaching staff than the arrivals of Carter and five-star recruit Kasey Hill in the backcourt.
Ogbueze was content with staying at Florida until a couple days ago, according to Klem.
“We spoke with a guy within the organization on people who have got some inside information on what’s going on with the program,” Klem said. “That’s when we supported his decision.
“I spoke to another guy in the program, and he said the coaching staff wasn’t very high on him.”
Ogbueze arrived at Florida as the No. 14 point guard and No. 78 overall player in the 2012 class, according to Rivals.com. But during his freshman season, the 6-foot guard rarely played outside the final minutes of routs.
He scored 19 points on 31.8 shooting in 23 games, averaging 4.7 minutes per contest in 2012-13.
“He’s confused on why he’s not playing,” Klem said. “You look at your counterpart and everybody else is playing and you’re like, ‘Why am I not playing?’ It could be frustrating.”
His decision to transfer puts Florida at 12 scholarship players – one below the NCAA maximum.
Ogbueze committed to the Gators on March 9, 2011 – during the middle of his junior year of high school.
But now, Ogbueze will find a new home to play basketball.
“I’ve appreciated the opportunity here at Florida and have learned a lot that will help me in the future,” Ogbueze said in a release.
Added coach Billy Donovan: “Braxton has been a hard worker with a great attitude, and we wish him nothing but the best as he moves on.”
Guard Braxton Ogbueze #11 of the Florida Gators controls the ball against the Vanderbilt Commodores March 6, 2013 at Stephen C. O'Connell Center in Gainesville, Florida. Ogbueze will transfer to UNC Charlotte, where he will play under 49ers coach Alan Major.
