According to Jeff Goodman of FoxSports.com, Cal Poly forward Coby Leavitt, who would’ve been a senior this upcoming season, has quit the team.
Last season, Mustangs head coach Kevin Bromley initially voiced a desire to get Leavitt more playing time, but toward the end of the year, that refrain changed into openly questioning his love of the game and dedication.
In 16 appearances last year — none of which were starts — the 6-foot-9, 210-pound native of Ivins, Utah averaged just 1.3 points and 1.4 rebounds in 5.9 minutes per game.
No big loss, right?
Well, maybe not.
Both of Cal Poly’s primary power forwards last season — Matt Hanson and Dreshawn Vance — have graduated. A year ago, they combined for 14.9 points and 10 rebounds in just more than 40 minutes of total playing time.
Leavitt’s length and athleticism were at times promising, and he was expected to be in the mix for the starting power forward spot vacated by Hanson and Vance.
The only power forward left on the roster would appear to be John Manley, who is heading into his final season. He posted numbers similar to Leavitt’s last season, though, at a meager one point and 1.5 rebounds per contest.
But a possible replacement could be an incoming freshman.
According to Geoff Grammer of the Tucson Citizen, Tucson Santa Rita High forward Darnell Shumpert is being heavily recruited by Cal Poly (and also Oregon State, UNLV and St. Mary’s, which appear to be higher on his totem poll).
The 6-8 Shumpert posted 11.1 points, 10.9 rebounds and — apparently — 10.6 blocks as a senior.
Rob Miech of the Las Vegas Sun reports that UAB and Cal State Northridge have entered the sweepstakes for the shot-swatting dynamo, as well.