Sophomore guard Crisshawn Clark plans to transfer from Pitt

Only one of the three members of the Pitt men’s basketball team’s 2016 recruiting class remains, as sophomore Crisshawn Clark announced his intention to transfer next season.

Following head coach Kevin Stallings’ dismissal of point guard Justice Kithcart prior to the team’s regular season finale — as well as Clark’s impending transfer — forward Corey Manigault is the last player left from last year’s class.

According to the signed letter Clark posted on Twitter, the school is allowing him to transfer anywhere except for other ACC schools and any other schools listed on any upcoming Panthers competition schedule.

“I want to say thank you so much to the University of Pittsburgh for the opportunity,” Clark said via Twitter. “I will be transferring to continue my career.”

A 6-foot-4 guard from Dayton, Ohio, Clark transferred to Pitt in the fall from Canada College. He only saw six minutes of live action, picking up six points and three rebounds in the Panthers’ 95-65 exhibition win over Pitt-Johnstown Nov. 4. Clark suffered a torn MCL and meniscus in practice three days later, ending his season before it started.

The preseason knee injury was the second in a row for Clark, who also missed the 2015-16 season at Canada College after an impressive debut season in 2014-15. Clark’s absence left a gaping void in Pitt’s backcourt as the Panthers struggled to receive production off the bench all season.

Clark’s transfer will open up another roster spot for Pitt in head coach Kevin Stallings’ second season, as the Panthers now have seven available scholarships for next year. The team currently has four recruits signed in the 2017 class with three more verbal commitments, but Stallings and his staff are still attempting to add to the class.