Polk to Transfer out of ASU Basketball Team

Sophomore Christian Polk was granted his release from the Sun Devils after a meeting with Head Coach Herb Sendek on Thursday. Devils Digest talked to the former Glendale Deer Valley player this morning, about his decision to leave his hometown college.

“It was a tough decision leaving home,” said the 6-3 185 Christian Polk. “I really liked playing in front of my family. I really like the ASU program and playing in the area I grew up at. After the season was over, my family and I talked about it and decided it would be best for my future to finish my college basketball career somewhere else.”

In the 2006-07 season, Polk started 26 games and averaged 29.4 minutes per game, third-most on team and made 64 three-pointers, second-best by a freshman in ASU history and eighth-best by a freshman in Pac-10 history.

He averaged 12.0 points per game, seventh-best by a freshmen in ASU history, and led team in free throw percentage, hitting 34-of-43 (.791). His four 20-point games is fourth-best by an ASU freshman behind only Ike Diogu (12 in 2002-2003), Jamal Faulkner (seven in 1990-91) and Steve Beck (five in 1983-84).

This past season the guard saw his playing time diminish considerably, as he averaged 12.5 minutes and 3.5 points a game. He didn’t play in 11 games this season, including the last six. “I didn’t make up my mind during the season, because I wanted to keep my mind clear and focus on helping out my team any way I can and be positive,” he said.

Polk indicated that there was no “bad blood” between him and the coaching staff, and that the Arizona State coaches have already indicated that they will try and find a school for him to transfer to. “They’ve been very professional with me and we’ll still keep in contact,” Polk stated.

The guard’s official release from the team is still in the works, and once completed ASU’s compliance office will contact the schools of his choice. “It’s too early to make up that list,” he explained. “Everything just happened yesterday.” He did however admit that playing with friend and former Sun Devil Sylvester Seay at Fresno State will be one option he will look at.

Polk’s departure does open a scholarship that could be used for the 2008 recruiting class and a prospect that could sign in the April signing period.