Andrew White transferring from Kansas

Kansas announced the transfer of Andrew White on Thursday night.

“We’re definitely disappointed about this, but also respect Andrew and the decision he’s made,” Coach Bill Self said. “Andrew and I talked periodically throughout the season and at the end of the season we discussed what his role could be potentially moving forward. He had a very good spring and we talked again today. He feels it is in his, and his family’s, best interest to pursue some other opportunities.”

White, who was ranked 48th in the Class of 2012, played 6.3 minutes per game last year and averaged 2.4 points and 1.2 rebounds per game.

“I spoke with my family and the coaches several times throughout the spring and after the season ended, discussing what my expected role would be on the team,” White said. “Coach Self told me it would be questionable to break into the rotation. My family and I decided it would be the best choice to move on and explore other school options. I feel like every day I gave maximum effort and gave everything in my power to the program. I feel I made the best out of my situation.”

Early in the season, it was expected that White would be the first guard off the bench for the Jayhawks. However, injuries plagued the guard and buried him on the bench. White only played in 19 of Kansas’ 35 games last season, including only 10 of the last 23 games.

For the second straight week, Kansas is losing a player due to transfer. Naadir Tharpe announced his transfer last week. The White transfer leaves Kansas with two open scholarships in the 2014-2015 season.

“We respect everything about Andrew White,” Self said. “He’s been a great ambassador for our school. He’s a terrific student and terrific young man. He’s been nothing but positive and a great teammate for everyone in our program. He will be dearly missed. We wish him nothing but the best and we will do everything we possibly can to assist him with this move. Understand this, Andrew and I have talked about this, he will always be welcome in any capacity coming back to the University of Kansas because we think that highly of him.”

“I’d like to thank the entire KU staff – the academic staff, trainers, strength and conditioning staff, managers – anybody who has ever supported me,” White said. “I’d like to thank the coaching staff for giving me the opportunity to be here and taking me under their wing and teaching me all the things they have throughout my two years here. Most importantly my teammates; I look at those guys like brothers. I actually talked to them right after I talked with Coach Self so we could discuss it amongst the team because I’ve always been a team-first guy. I’m going to miss those guys a great deal. I’m going to miss all of the fans that support Kansas basketball because those are the people that make a program like this go. They are important to us and I definitely feel the generosity and love from those people who have supported me and my career.”