Vermont grants guard Four McGlynn his release, but with conditions

It took nine days but former Vermont guard Four McGlynn has finally been granted a release from his scholarship, the rising sophomore tweeted earlier today.

But the release doesn’t come without restrictions, as McGlynn wasn’t cleared to transfer to a school in America East or George Washington.

George Washington’s head coach is Mike Lonergan, who recruited McGlynn to UVM before leaving for the school located in the nation’s capital.

Vermont had seven business days from the day on which McGlynn made his request (June 6) to render a decision, and the school made sure to use all seven of those days before coming to this conclusion.

The school issued a statement on the process today, and it’s difficult to recall another situation in which a school was this detailed in its handling of the request.

In considering the release request, we reviewed the reasons given, the difficulties associated with the late timing of the request, the impact of our decision on the men’s basketball program, the disturbing growth nationally of men’s basketball student-athletes transfer requests, and the quality of experience for student-athletes on the men’s basketball team during the 2011-12 academic year. The request is extremely late in the annual recruiting cycle and significantly limits our coaching staff in recruiting a replacement for his position.

Despite these concerns, in the end it is Four’s responsibility to determine what he believes is in his best interests. We are disappointed he does not believe that remaining a member of this team fulfills those interests, but disregarding his wishes would not benefit him or the team. UVM will have a very talented team next season, and the priority for our coaches and current team members is to focus their efforts on defending their America East Championship and returning to the NCAA Tournament.

No word as to what schools McGlynn may be considering at this point, but there was a good chance that the America East Rookie of the Year would come off the bench again in 2012-13.

In 24.2 minutes (one start) per game McGlynn averaged 12.0 points, scoring a season-high 24 in 27 minutes in Vermont’s 68-49 win over Stony Brook on February 12.

With incumbents Sandro Carissimo and Brendan Bald returning, as well as Marist transfer Candon Rusin becoming eligible, it’s difficult to see an increase in minutes for McGlynn had he returned.

McGlynn will be a very good pickup for a program, and with the players due back in Burlington (including forward Brian Voelkel) John Becker and his program should be just fine in 2012-13.

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.