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 Recker becomes IU's third transfer in two years
Posted: Thursday April 15, 1999 01:09 PM
By Kate Hairopoulos
BLOOMINGTON, Indiana (U-WIRE) -- Luuuuuuke. The Assembly Hall crowd loved to yell the name. But all of that changed with a statement released early Wednesday morning when sophomore guard/forward Luke Recker announced he was transferring from IU and the basketball team. Recker cited dissatisfaction with his development as a player as the main factor in his decision to leave. It remains uncertain as to where Recker will transfer. "I appreciate the opportunity given to me by coach (Bob) Knight," Recker said. "However, I have not been satisfied with my development as a player. I blame no one but myself for this and believe my development will best be served in another program. I will be weighing my options over the next few weeks and have made no decision as to my next school." Recker, a third team all-Big Ten selection and IU's leading scorer this season, committed to IU after his sophomore season at DeKalb High School. He earned Mr. Basketball honors after his senior season in 1997. "This is the toughest decision I have ever made," Recker said. "I love the state of Indiana, and playing for IU was always my lifelong dream ... I love to play basketball and the thought of sitting out a year kills me." Recker is the second IU starter to transfer in one-and-a-half years and the third in three seasons, following the departures of Jason Collier and Neil Reed. "My reaction is that I hope he does what's good for him," former teammate senior Rob Turner said. "I think that was just a matter of time. I'm not in a position to say that a player should stay or leave. If things weren't working out, I guess it's time to move on and do what he has to do to fulfill his needs." Knight is out of the country on a coaching clinic. The IU athletic department released a statement concerning Recker's decision Wednesday. "We are very sorry that Luke has decided to leave Indiana University. He has been an integral and important part of our basketball program the last two years. We will miss him. We wish him much success as he goes forward." Recker started 33 of 34 games this season and averaged 16.1 points per game. As a freshman he started 30 of 32 contests and averaged 12.8 points. The Hoosiers went a combined 43-23 during his two seasons and were ousted in the second round of the NCAA tournament both years. Following the Hoosiers' 86-61 NCAA loss to St. John's this season, Recker was asked about the possibility of junior guard A.J. Guyton leaving early to go to the NBA and the transfer rumors that always surround the IU program. "I want A.J. to do what's best for himself," Recker said. "Obviously, thinking about the team, we all hope he comes back. We're not thinking about that right now. I anticipate he'll be back in a Hoosier uniform next year, along with everyone else. We've got a lot of work to do, individually and collectively as a team. I think we can become a good team, but if we don't work hard, we're just going to have the same results. "(The rumors are) like that every year and this is no exception. I think people need to take that kind of stuff with a grain of salt. Just hear what you want to hear, but only we know the truth." Recker revealed the truth Wednesday. He concluded his statement with a show of gratitude. "I would like to thank the great fans of Indiana University basketball and the entire community of students, faculty and administrators for their support and friendship," Recker said. "Finally, I especially want to thank my teammates. I love them all and will miss them greatly."
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