Osu’s Cunningham Transfers To Purdue

Oregon State freshman guard Carson Cunningham will transfer to Purdue University, coach Eddie Payne said Friday.

Cunningham, who started 26 of Oregon State’s 27 games at point guard last season, said he wanted to be closer to his Ogden Dunes, Ind., home.

“This is in no way a reflection on the state of Oregon, Oregon State University, my coaches or my teammates - all of which I hold in the highest regard,” he said.

Cunningham co-led the team in scoring at 14.9 points. He also led the team and was fourth in the Pacific-10 Conference for assists at 4.7, and averaged a team-high 30.8 minutes per game.

Cunningham ranked second for minutes played by a freshman in the Pac-10, and ranked fourth in the conference for free-throw percentage at .817.

Payne said he’s disappointed to lose Cunningham, but grateful for his contributions.