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The University of Minnesota released a statement Monday night stating that Gopher freshman forward Josh Martin had left the team and plans on transferring. Gopher Men's Basketball Coach Richard Pitino confirmed the news in the statement. "While we are disappointed in Josh's decision to transfer, we wish him nothing but the best in the future."
Martin averaged 1.3 points and one rebound in 5.4 minutes per game so far this season. He was expected to be the backup power forward to Joey King, however Charles Buggs has seemed to have passed him in Pitino's rotation.
Martin's decision to transfer will allow him to leave school at the semester and still have 3.5 years of eligibility remaining. It also leaves the Gophers with just nine scholarship players currently. The Gophers will hopefully add a tenth after the new year if Gaston Diedhiou is able to become eligible.
The Gophers will play at least five additional non-conference games along with some potential Big Ten Games before that could occur however, beginning with their game Monday night against North Dakota at Williams Arena.