Michael Kessens to Transfer from Alabama: Latest Comments and Reaction

Alabama forward Michael Kessens announced Wednesday that he will transfer from the school after he averaged 3.7 points and 3.5 rebounds per game coming off the bench during the 2015-16 season.

He shared the news via Twitter: 

According to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Kessens will graduate from Alabama this spring before transferring. He has one year of eligibility left and can play immediately next season. 

He is the second member of the Crimson Tide to announce that he will transfer on Wednesday after starting point guard Justin Coleman revealed his plans to leave the school, per Michael Casagrande of AL.com. 

Alabama head coach Avery Johnson told Casagrande, though, that Kessens could explore playing professionally in Europe along with staying at the collegiate level. 

"I loved his energy he gave us throughout the season, and he was a joy to coach," Johnson said. "We certainly wish him the best in whatever career path he chooses."

The Switzerland native began his college career at Longwood University of the Big South Conference and averaged 13.7 points and 8.8 rebounds per game in his freshman year.

After transferring to Alabama and sitting out the 2013-14 season, Kessens averaged 5.9 points and 5.2 rebounds in 21.2 minutes per game in 2014-15. 

His time on the court dropped by almost five minutes this season as he came in relief for Jimmie Taylor and Shannon Hale. The Crimson Tide limped to an 18-15 season and lost in the first round of the NIT to Creighton. 

Hale and Taylor will be seniors next season, so Alabama's frontcourt won't take too hard of a hit. But the Tide will have to focus on finding depth at the position this offseason now that Kessens is leaving.

Stats courtesy of Sports-Reference.com.