HARTFORD, Conn. _ UConn sophomore Lexi Gordon plans to transfer from the women's basketball program, coach Geno Auriemma said in a statement Thursday.
"Lexi has been a great teammate in her time at UConn, but we understand that she wants to go somewhere where she will have more opportunities to play," Auriemma said in the statement. "We wish Lex and her family the best as she continues her college career elsewhere."
Gordon, a guard/forward has played sparingly in her two years with the program. In a total of 30 games, four this season, she scored 12 points and grabbed 13 rebounds. Gordon missed time recently with a leg injury, but was averaging the fewest minutes per game on the team.
"I would like to thank the coaching and support staffs, the fans and most importantly, my teammates, at UConn," Gordon said in the statement. "I am grateful for my time at Connecticut. I've learned what it takes to be part of a championship program and I look forward to taking this experience to the next stop in my basketball and academic career."
Gordon committed to UConn in 2016 as a junior at L.D. Bell High in Hurst, Texas. She was the No. 29-ranked recruit in the country, according to ESPN.com.
In addition to Gordon, the 2017 UConn recruiting class included Megan Walker, Mikayla Coombs and Andra Espinoza-Hunter, who transferred to Mississippi State.
Gordon also considered Baylor, Texas and TCU.
"(The UConn offer) didn't come naturally," Gordon told the Fort Worth Star-Telegram at the time of her commitment. "I had to work really hard to where I'm at. I was a late bloomer as opposed to a lot of other players. I didn't expect it. I thought (Auriemma) was going to see me play one or two more times. I'm proud of it."
Gordon's departure opens a scholarship for a team that has been looking to add young talent. The Huskies have only one incoming freshmen _ Aubrey Griffin of Ossining, N.Y. _ signed and no other commitments. With only nine scholarships filled for the 2019-20 season, UConn is expected to explore adding a graduate transfer or perhaps adding a player from overseas. UConn attempted this last year with Australia native Ezi Magbegor who instead chose to play for the Melbourne Boomers in the WNBL.
