Former O’Connell High basketball standout Freddie Stanback said Thursday he is transferring from Loyola College (Md.).
The 6-foot-5 sophomore forward informed Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos on Wednesday. Stanback was an immediate contributor for the Greyhounds as a freshman. He started 24 games and led the team in minutes (30.1 mpg), rebounding (5.1 rpg) and was the third leading scorer (9.6 ppg).
But this past season he started just 18 games. His playing time dipped (17.4 mpg) as did his scoring (4.6 ppg) and rebounding (2.2 rpg).
“I just felt there was a better fit for me out there,” Stanback said. “Me and my coach’s relationship was on the rocks a little bit. We still got along but it wasn’t like my freshman year.”
Stanback contemplated transferring for several weeks and made the final decision over Memorial Day weekend before meeting with Patsos.
“II was saddened to see him leave, really saddened,” Patsos said. “He told us his family is moving, anywhere from Norfolk to South Carolina.
We will really miss him.”
Stanback mentioned Hampton, Eastern Kentucky and Winthrop as possibilities for his next stop. Under Division I guidelines, he will have to sit out a season but will not lose any eligibility.
“It’s going to be hard,” Stanback said. “But I’m going to use the year to get my grades up, work on my game and condition and become a better player.”
Patsos said the only school that has requested Stanback’s release is Coastal Carolina.
Patsos added that Herndon High product Brad Farrell, a sophomore swingman, has also left the program. Patsos said he does not know where Farrell will transfer to. Both players were in good standing in terms of academics and basketball at Loyola.
“They have some issues they had to deal with at home,” Patsos said.
— Staff writer David Driver contributed to this report.
