Fullerton’s Wilhite Gets Release, Will Transfer in Fall

Sophomore Aaron Wilhite, unhappy playing the center position and concerned about unrest in the Cal State Fullerton basketball program, has been released from his scholarship and will transfer to another school in the fall.

Wilhite, who averaged 12.8 points and 7.7 rebounds, said he will decide between the University of San Diego, San Diego State and Utah. He’ll remain at Fullerton until the end of the spring semester and will have to sit out one season at another school before gaining eligibility.

“I just feel this might be the best thing for me,” said the 6-foot-7 Wilhite, the former San Diego Lincoln High School standout who averaged 3.7 points as a freshman reserve.

Wilhite said his primary reason for leaving was to have a chance to play another position. Titan Coach John Sneed used Wilhite at center, but Wilhite believes he’s better suited for forward.

“I feel I’m too small to play center, and I don’t like the way Fullerton uses centers,” Wilhite said. “They just set picks and post up. I feel I should be shooting more and taking the ball to the hole more.”

Wilhite said team turmoil, which surfaced after the season when several players questioned Sneed’s coaching tactics and asked that he be fired, also contributed to his decision.

After meeting with players, interim Athletic Director Steve DiTolla said, “We’ve responded to their concerns and have told them John Sneed is our coach.”

Said Wilhite: “Even if Sneed were fired, I don’t think a new coach would be a solution. If he stays, I don’t know if players would do in the middle of next season what they did at the end of this year. I just want to play hard and be happy wherever I play.”

Wilhite, who shot 53% from the field, was a key factor in the Titans’ 10-5 start, but when he injured his knee Jan. 14 against San Jose State, Fullerton lost four of the next five games without him.

An emotional leader and a punishing inside defender, Wilhite returned to spark victories Feb. 7 over University of the Pacific and Feb. 9 over Fresno State. But the Titans lost five of their last six and finished 14-14.

“It’s going to hurt the team,” Fullerton point guard Wayne Williams said of Wilhite’s decision. “We needed him this year--that showed when he got hurt--and we need him next year. But if he’s gone, there’s nothing we can do about it.”