Former Ohio State guard Jordan Sibert has decided to transfer to the University of Dayton, according to multiple reports, and the final step in the process appears to be a mere formality.
Sibert, who was released from his OSU scholarship April 16, told several outlets that he plans to become a member of the Flyers’ program. Douglas Hauschild, director of media relations for Dayton men’s basketball, said he read the same reports regarding Sibert’s transfer but could not comment, as the player hasn’t signed paperwork with the university.
“At any school for any recruit, no one can comment until that recruit has signed with that school,” Hauschild said in an email to The Lantern. “In the case of a transfer, it is a financial aid agreement, since a student-athlete can only sign one letter of intent.”
Sibert told the Dayton Daily News that he feels “Flyer Nation believes in him.”
“It feels good to be able to be someplace where everyone is excited for you,” Sibert said according to the Dayton Daily News. “Everyone was excited for me at Ohio State. But when your coaches are excited for you, and you feel the love, feel the need for you, it makes you want to do better, makes you want to build upon it. Instead of being like, ‘I’m out here, I’m just another number,’ it feels better that. ‘Hey, these people believe in me.'”
Sibert appeared in 24 games during the 2011-12 season for OSU and averaged more than 11 minutes and three points per game while shooting 30 percent from the floor. Sibert also took the court for 25 games during the Buckeyes’ 2010-11 run to the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Tournament, and averaged 2.1 points per game.
Sibert’s transfer comes after OSU’s No. 3 overall finish in the 2011-12 season, according to the final ESPN/USA Today coaches poll. OSU posted a 31-8 record and advanced to the Final Four where it lost to Kansas, 64-62, in a National Semifinal match.
Sibert did not play in any of the Buckeyes’ five NCAA Tournament games, and is the second player this year to leave the team as forward J.D. Weatherspoon also announced his transfer plans during the off season.