Charles Matthews to Transfer from Kentucky: Latest Comments and Reaction

After one season at the University of Kentucky, guard Charles Matthews announced his decision to transfer Wednesday.  

TheCatsPause247 posted the Chicago native's full statement on Twitter:

Matthews played just over 10 minutes per game for the Wildcats last season as a freshman, averaging 1.7 points and 1.6 rebounds per contest.

Per UKAthletics.com, Matthews was granted his full release from the program and will be permitted to transfer anywhere he chooses. Head coach John Calipari also commented on the matter:

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The hardest thing as a coach is to lose a player that you really want to coach. In Charles' case, I believe he is going to be a productive college player who has the ability to play at the next level. I know Charles' best basketball is ahead of him, and while I'm a saddened to see him go, I support his decision and will help in any way I can.

It hasn't happened very often in my career, but transferring is a part of our game. It doesn't change who we are as a program. We will support every kid in whatever way we can to make sure they can pursue their dreams, because ultimately that's all I want for these young men.

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Chris Fisher of 247Sports believed Matthews had a bright future ahead of him at Kentucky:

While the 6'6" swingman didn't provide specific reasoning for his decision, he was buried fairly deep in Calipari's rotation. Even though he appeared in every game, he was nowhere near a top offensive option in 2015-16.

Matthews has a ton of potential, as evidenced by the fact that 247Sports ranked him as the No. 59 overall player in his recruiting class entering last season.

Calipari is widely regarded as the best recruiter in college basketball, so the fact that he pursued and secured Matthews speaks volumes about the youngster's talent level.

Matthews didn't catch on immediately with the Wildcats, but if he reaches the potential that Calipari and 247Sports saw in him, he still has a chance to be a star player at another big-time program down the line.

Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter.