SIU men’s basketball junior guard Jalen Pendleton will transfer at the end of the spring semester.

Pendleton said his decision is based on his playing time next season.

“I told [the coaches] I wanted to play a lot,” Pendleton said. “I guess we couldn’t make an agreement.”

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Pendleton averaged 18.7 minutes in his Saluki career, and averaged 22.2 minutes this season. He averaged 6.7 points in his career.

He had a career high in steals and assists with 34 and 51 respectively, but had a career low .428 field goal percentage this season. 

Pendleton said he is unsure where he will transfer, and has had some offers from some schools but hopes to stay at the Division I level, meaning he would have to sit out next season.   

He is the third player to announce he will transfer this year. Freshman guard Chaz Glotta and redshirt freshman K.C. Goodwin announced they would transfer March 16.

Goodwin said he is transferring for the same reason as Pendleton.

Pendleton said there is not tension between the players and coaches.

“It’s more of a business thing,” he said. “Coach feels like he needs players to come in and play a certain role for them. It just didn’t work out for me this time.”

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He said he enjoyed his time at SIU and wanted to thank the coaches, his teammates, the fans and his family for the experience.

“I came here a boy and I’m leaving a man,” Pendleton said. “I loved everything about it.”

Coach Barry Hinson was out of town recruiting and did not answer a phone call, but issued this statement in a Saluki Athletic press release: “Jalen has been an instrumental part of the rebuilding process during the past three years and we appreciate his contributions. We wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

Tyler Davis contributed to this story.

Aaron Graff can be reached at [email protected] or at 536-3311 ext. 256.