The Pitt men’s basketball team lost a key reserve player from this season when head coach… The Pitt men’s basketball team lost a key reserve player from this season when head coach Jamie Dixon announced over the weekend that forward J.J. Richardson has decided to transfer.

The 6-foot-7, 235-pound forward averaged 1.1 points and 0.9 rebounds per game this season as a backup to centers Gary McGhee and Dante Taylor.

Richardson, a sophomore from Missouri City, Texas, has been given a full release from his scholarship by the school.

“We will assist J.J. in finding the best situation for him to reach his goals both academically and athletically,” Dixon said. “He’s a great kid, hard worker and good player. We thank J.J. for his contribution to our program over the last two years and wish him much success in the future.”

No word has been given on exactly where Richardson will transfer to, but he said he wants to play somewhere closer to home.

“I am looking for an opportunity to move closer to my family,” Richardson said. “I want to thank everyone at Pitt, including my coaches, teammates, fans and those associated with the program. It was a great two years and I wish everyone well. I’m very thankful for everything that Pitt has done for me.”