Patrick Simon will transfer from WSU basketball team

COUGARS

WSU just sent out a release announcing that junior forward Patrick Simon, an Ephrata native, has been granted his release and will transfer from the men’s basketball team. Read on for more.

…

Coach Ken Bone touted Simon as the best 3-point shooter on the team, as evidenced by his decision to run the final play for Simon at the end of WSU’s loss to Washington in Pullman last season. Unfortunately, that’s likely what Simon will be remembered for after appearing in just 52 games in two seasons while averaging 2.9 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. Simon could never crack the rotation, though Bone had high hopes for him next season, saying Simon was one WSU player he thought could make a big jump with more opportunities to play.

“Patrick is an exceptional young man and we appreciate the contributions he’s made to our program over the last two years,” Bone said in a statement. “We wish him the best and a successful career wherever he transfers to. We will help Patrick in any way we can.”

With a five-player recruiting class expected on campus this summer, the Cougars appeared to have all of their scholarships filled for the 2012-13 season. Simon’s departure opens another.

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple