Idaho loses yet another player

The University of Idaho men’s basketball program is losing yet another high-profile player.

Harvey Perry, a University of Washington transfer who enrolled at Idaho for spring semester, has decided to transfer, Idaho head coach George Pfeifer confirmed.

Perry’s departure comes after point guard O.J. Avworo announced Friday his intention to transfer and the news last week that prize recruit Andre McFarland has been released from the letter of intent he signed with the Vandals in November.

Perry and McFarland were expected to be cornerstones as the Vandals attempt to bounce back from a 4-27 record last season. Avworo started 24 games at point guard and averaged 26.7 minutes per game.

Perry informed Pfeifer of his decision Thursday. Pfeifer said Perry will likely attend a junior college. A source close to Perry said he is expected to play for the College of Southern Idaho.

Perry didn’t respond to an e-mail request for an interview. Attempts to contact him by telephone were unsuccessful.

Pfeifer said Perry’s decision was influenced by the exit last week of assistant coach DeMarlo Slocum, who joined the staff at Colorado State. Perry and McFarland are from Las Vegas and have known Slocum for years. The two played on AAU teams coached by Slocum. Colorado State has offered McFarland a scholarship, but the 6-foot-5 wing hasn’t decided where he will play next season.

Under NCAA transfer rules, Perry, a 6-foot-4, 210-pound combination guard, would have become eligible at Idaho in December. He played in four of Washington’s first six games, including an 87-66 victory over the Vandals, averaging 8.8 minutes and 2.8 points.

In a December interview with The Spokesman-Review, Perry cited lack of playing time as his main reason for leaving UW.

Pfeifer said Idaho had several recruits visiting campus this weekend.