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Report: SMU guard Brian Bernardi granted release

Larry Brown

SMU coach Larry Brown yells from the sideline late in the second half against UTEP of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, March 9, 2013, in Dallas. (AP Photo/Michael Mulvey)

AP

SMU freshman guard Brian Bernardi has been granted his release from the Mustangs and is free to transfer schools, per a report from CSN Washington’s Daniel Martin.

Martin spoke with Bernardi’s former high school on the decision and the 6'2 guard from New York City has already received early interest from George Washington. Bernardi averaged 3.5 points per game in only 11.5 minutes a game for SMU during his freshman season, but did shoot 42 percent from beyond the arc.

“It’s been something he’s been thinking about for the past few months since the addition of [Top 100 guard prospect] Keith Frazier,” Bernardi’s former high school coach, Chris Alesi, told CSN. "[Coach Larry Brown] really wants him to stay, but he gave him the release.”

And Bernardi’s transfer story could soon have a local tie. Alesi tells CSN that George Washington was the first to call about Bernardi’s availability. Coming out of high school, the Colonials and head coach Mike Lonergan were among the final five schools on Bernardi’s list before he ultimately signed with SMU.

Shooters are always in demand and Bernardi should receive plenty of interest from mid-majors on the east coast as Martin also noted in his report.

Bernardi will have three years of eligibility remaining after sitting out a season due to NCAA transfer policy.

Scott also writes for NY2LA Sports and can be followed on Twitter @sphillipshoops