Stokes plans to leave Missouri for West Coast

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Sophomore point guard Wesley Stokes is leaving Missouri, coach Quin Snyder said Wednesday.

Stokes will transfer from the university at the end of the current semester, Snyder said without specifying where Stokes intends to play. The North County Times in Escondido, Calif., reported Tuesday that Stokes would consider transferring to San Diego State, a school that originally recruited him out of Long Beach (Calif.) Poly High School in 2000.

Stokes, who apparently wants to transfer to a West Coast school, was expected to schedule a visit to San Diego State after being granted his release from Missouri, the newspaper said.

Stokes will have to sit out a year before resuming his career, under NCAA regulations. He has two years of eligibility remaining.

"Wesley has been a solid contributor for us the past two seasons," Snyder said. "We wish him the best of luck as he goes down a different path in his academic and athletic career."

Stokes was a fan favorite with his wild hair bouncing as he moved. He averaged 5.8 points per game last season and led the Tigers with 147 assists, averaging 4.1 per game.

Stokes began the season as Missouri's starting point guard. He struggled at times and lost the starting job in midseason, though he continued to get significant playing time, and played well as the 12th seeded Tigers fell just a game short of reaching the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament.

Still, his role figured to be even more reduced next season with the arrival of Vashon High School standout Jimmy McKinney and junior college transfer Ricky Clemons.

McKinney led St. Louis-based Vashon to three state Missouri 4A championships. Clemons was a junior college all-American last season at the College of Southern Idaho.

"I appreciate the opportunity I have had at Missouri," Stokes said in a statement through the university. "I will miss my teammates and coaches."