Collette departs

Sophomore forward David Collette has left the Utah State men’s basketball team. Utah State Athletics announced his departure on Wednesday.

The announcement comes two days before the Aggies tip off their regular season at Weber State on Friday.

Collette was at practice earlier this week and played in both of USU’s preseason games, leading the team in scoring over the two-game span. USU’s head coach Tim Duryea was surprised by the news.

“I was shocked when he came into my office today and said he was going to quit,” Duryea said. “I think there were a lot of factors in play that, unfortunately, have become a trend in college basketball of schools poaching other schools’ players. I don’t feel good and don’t like how things transpired, but we will move on and get ready for our season opener on Friday.”

Without playing in the regular season, Collette will be eligible to play for another team next season. If he wants to play for another Mountain West team next season he will have to meet three requirements according to the MW rulebook.

“a. The student-athlete shall complete an academic year in residence at the certifying institution; b. The student-athlete shall forfeit one season of competition; and c. The student-athlete shall not receive athletically related financial aid during the academic year in residence.”

Collette started last season as a freshman following his two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Last season he was second on the team in scoring with 12.8 points per game and rebounding with five rebounds per game.

— dahdahjm@gmail.com