UCLA Says Reserve Reed Will Transfer

UCLA sophomore Travis Reed, a backup at center and forward, has decided to transfer, the school announced Friday.

Reed, who is 6 feet 7, appeared in all 31 games for the Bruins and started four, but his playing time fluctuated during the season. He averaged about five points and three rebounds while playing about 16 minutes a game.

Reed did not return a phone message, but speculation was that Long Beach State is among the schools he is considering to continue his career.

Although Reed started only seven games over his two seasons at UCLA, he played in 58 of the Bruins’ 64 games during that time and was considered a valuable backup to Dan Gadzuric and Jerome Moiso, who were troubled because of injuries last season.

His highest-scoring game was a 21-point effort against Cal State Northridge last season, and he twice had 10 rebounds, once in the Bruins’ 1998 NCAA tournament loss to eventual national champion Kentucky.

“Travis requested his release and we granted it,” Coach Steve Lavin said in a statement released by the school. “As a staff, we enjoyed coaching Travis and he is well-liked by his teammates. We will miss Travis, but wish him all the luck in his future endeavors.”

The Bruins lose only one senior, Brandon Loyd, from a 22-9 team that was upset by Detroit in the first round of the NCAA tournament, but are awaiting a decision by sophomore point guard Baron Davis on whether he will declare himself eligible for the NBA draft.