USC’s Cameron Murray Is Allowed to Transfer

After two roller-coaster seasons, USC sophomore guard Cameron Murray was granted his release to transfer by Coach Henry Bibby in one of a series of recent moves made with the Trojan basketball program.

Murray, who started 22 games last season, had been unhappy with his career at USC and even sat out the final six games for personal reasons. Among the schools he reportedly considering are Indiana, Michigan State, Kansas, Pepperdine and Cincinnati.

“I want to go to a school where I’m needed,” said Murray, who averaged 7.4 points and 4.6 assists last season. “Some place that needs a point guard in two years. As long as I get my chance. I don’t care if it’s as far away as Boston.”

Bibby, whose interim tag was removed on March 15, has also made a change with his staff by releasing assistant Adrian Walters. Current assistants Rob Alexander and Damaine Powell will return.

Last week, USC also decided not to recruit Richie Parker, a blue-chip high school recruit from New York who two years ago was convicted for a sexual offense against a minor. Parker attended Mesa (Ariz.) Community College last season but did not play.

USC sources also report that freshman Maurice Strong is strongly considering to transfer back closer to his home in Tennessee. There also is report that junior center Avondre Jones may not return next fall due to academic reasons.