ETSU men’s basketball coach Murry Bartow announced on Tuesday that freshman forward Greg Surmacz requested and received permission to transfer this May.
Surmacz saw very little playing time averaging only 2.6 points per game.
“Greg (Surmacz) and I sat down and discussed his situation,” said ETSU basketball coach Murry Bartow. “We both felt it would be in his best interests to follow other opportunities. Certainly, we wish Greg the best and we hope he will succeed wherever he goes.”
Surmacz was the second recruit of Bartow’s to depart this season.
Chris Mitchell went back to Chicago just before the new year. Mitchell, a JUCO-All- American, like Surmacz saw more than his fair share of action due to the injured Brad Nuckles.
The 6-8, 210-pound forward from Peterborough, Ontario, averaged 30 points and 14 rebounds a game while at Peterborough Collegiate High School.
The spring signing season began on Wednesday and topping that list will be Courtney Pigram who was a prep standout at Memphis White Station High School.
Pigram, who played locally at the Arby’s Classic High School basketball tournament in Bristol, Tenn., in 2003, will be highlighting Bartow’s recruiting field.
The former White Station guard, led his team to the Arby’s Classic final in 2003 but came up short due to an extra hard semifinal matchup.
In post season play Pigram was the state tournament Most Valuable Player. He was part of a powerful string of state championship teams that won the title four out of five years.
He sat out last season due to NCAA Proposition 48 that has to do with academic ineligiblity.
The Bucs will return seven players from last season.

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