Tide basketball players Coleman, Kessens to transfer

Justin Coleman and Michael Kessens intend to transfer from Alabama, according to a news release from the school.

Coleman has two years of eligibility remaining. A guard, he played in all 33 contests making seven starts during his sophomore season. The Birmingham native averaged 7.8 points a game, while leading the Tide in assists (3.3 a game) and free throw percentage (.890).

“Justin and I met this afternoon and discussed his future with our program,” Alabama coach Avery Johnson was quoted as saying in the release. “After talking it over with his family, Justin felt it is in his best interest to transfer from the University of Alabama. Justin is a terrific young man and I wish we had the opportunity to work with him more. I would like to thank him for all the hard work he has put in during the past year and want to wish him the best of luck.”

Kessens is set to graduate this May with a degree in business administration. He has one year of eligibility remaining. He played in 33 contests, while making 21 starts this past season. He averaged 3.7 points and 3.5 rebounds in 16.6 minutes a game.

“Mike is set to graduate this May with an undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama and will explore his options of either playing professionally in Europe or use his fifth year of eligibility at another school,” Johnson said in the release. “I loved his energy he gave us throughout the season and he was a joy to coach. We certainly wish him the best in whatever career path he chooses.”

This story was originally published March 30, 2016 at 6:55 PM with the headline "Tide basketball players Coleman, Kessens to transfer."