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On Monday evening, news emerged via a website post from Kentucky Wildcats head coach John Calipari that junior-to-be forward Kyle Wiltjer would be on the move.
Calipari released a statement saying that Wiltjer was leaving the program, but did not openly say that he was transferring, albeit that is the obvious reaction. Wiltjer is currently playing with the Canadian National Team, but according to Greg Crawford of CSNNW.com, Wiltjer may already have a favorite landing spot in place.
According to the report, the Gonzaga Bulldogs are the early frontrunner for Wiltjer’s future services and barring any last minute change of heart, the West Coast Conference is looking like his eventual destination. Wiltjer is an original native of Portland, Oregon, so a return to the west coast is certainly what is expected.
After two seasons in Lexington, it appears that playing time and his role with the team next season were the obvious factors in his decision to leave. The Wildcats are once again bringing in a loaded, freshman recruiting class — one that very well could rank amongst the greatest of all-time. Wiltjer, who averaged five points as a freshman, raised his numbers this past year in a larger role, but Kentucky struggled collectively as a group.
The 6-foot-10 stretch power forward averaged 10.2 points during the 2012-13 season, so there’s no doubt that whoever lands him — Gonzaga, especially — would be receiving a huge boost. Wiltjer would have to sit out next year, but he is eligible to take the court for the 2014-15 season.
While it appears that Gonzaga may be the reported favorite, there has still been no set decision that has been made.
Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS
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