Loe leaves EWU’s basketball program

Guard James Loe, who played in all 28 games and started four as a freshman for the Eastern Washington University’s men’s basketball team, has decided to leave the program.

“I wish them the best of luck,” Loe said from his home in Hillsboro, Ore. “There are some great guys there. It just didn’t work out for me and Coach.”

Loe is the fourth play to transfer after the Eagles went 8-20 in Mike Burns’ first year as head coach.

At the end of the season starting point guard Danny Pariseau, who would have been a senior; junior-to-be Matt Nelson, the starting post; and upcoming junior reserve wing Eric Henkle decided to leave.

Pariseau plans to walk on at Santa Clara, Nelson has signed with Boise State and Henkle is going to Carroll College.

Loe, 5-foot-10, is leaning toward attending Louisiana Tech and said the school is interested in him.

Loe averaged 2.2 points in 13.4 minutes a game and had 44 assists and 41 turnovers for the Eagles.

Loe was a four-year starter at Hillsboro High. He averaged 20 points for a team that finished second in the state his junior year and 18 points as a senior when he was the league Most Valuable Player.

Burns was unavailable for comment.