Mason Says He Might Transfer to UC Irvine

Zan Mason, who announced early this month that he is leaving UCLA’s basketball program, said he is considering a transfer to UC Irvine, among other schools.

“I’m still deciding,” said Mason, who has visited Irvine and Loyola Marymount. “I couldn’t tell you right now.”

Mason, a 6-foot-7 sophomore forward who was a high school All-American at Westchester High School, said he is leaving the UCLA program in search of more playing time. He played in 27 of the Bruins’ 32 games last season, but did not start any and averaged only nine minutes per game. He averaged three points and 2.3 rebounds, and scored a season-high 14 points in a victory over Loyola Marymount. He also had 12 assists and nine blocked shots during the season.

If he transfers, Mason would not be eligible to play next season, but would be able to practice while fulfilling the NCAA’s transfer requirement.

Irvine has added one player since Rod Baker was named coach in April, signing point guard Zuri Williams of Oakland Bishop O’Dowd High School.