Aztecs’ Forward Bryant Quits to Return to New York

Freshman reserve forward Kent Bryant has left San Diego State’s basketball team and will transfer to Manhattan College or Hofstra University to be closer to his home in Flushing, N.Y.

He was replaced on SDSU’s travel squad by forward J.C. Debbs, a walk-on who has yet to play this season since transfering from Huntington Beach’s Golden West College.

The Aztecs will play North Carolina Charlotte today in first-round action of the Volunteer Tournament. Tennessee plays Ball State in the second game.

The 6-foot-6 Bryant played in three of SDSU’s first four games. In 10 minutes, he made one of four field-goal attempts, and had two rebounds.

According to Bryant, he is leaving to be closer to his mother, who has been hospitalized because of nervousness that her son says was caused by his move to San Diego. Kent was the last of 13 children to leave home. His father is deceased.

“Basically, my mother was home by herself and became ill,” Bryant said. “She worries a lot about me being away from home. If I go home, it will make her feel better.”

Last season, Bryant averaged 17.5 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocked shots for Holy Cross High School. He was named to the all-New York City team.

“It’s a big adjustment from New York to San Diego,” SDSU Coach Smokey Gaines said. “Kids get homesick and want to play more. I explained to him that there are no ill feelings. Right now, he wasn’t fitting in. Some kids are very impatient.”

Said Bryant: “The main reason I’m going home is my mom. Plus, I wasn’t getting to play. They have a good program here, but it’s too far from home.”

Sophomore Kevin Brown left the Aztecs last month, saying he was transferring to the University of Akron to be closer to his hometown of Grand Rapids, Mich. Brown has since returned and is a starting forward.

Aztec Notes The Aztecs recorded their only victory six days ago against Division II Cal State Los Angeles, 64-60 . . . Charlotte (6-2) returned four starters from last season.