Texas Guard Sterling Gibbs Transferring

Lost somewhat in the shuffle of junior guard J'Covan Brown declaring for the 2012 NBA Draft and freshman point guard Myck Kabongo opting to return for his sophomore season were rumors of freshman guard Sterling Gibbs' imminent departure.

On Tuesday morning, a Texas spokesman confirmed that there was truth to those rumors and that Gibbs will indeed be leaving the program, for a destination currently unknown.

As the Statesman pointed out, Gibbs had tweeted recently that he was homesick for his home state of New Jersey, so that could have played a role in his decision and could impact where he eventually lands.

However, the Statesman also hit on what is likely the overriding reason for his departure -- a lack of playing time.

During four games his freshman season, Gibbs never saw the floor and averaged only 7.5 minutes per game on a team that lacked depth, though it was deeper at guard than in the frontcourt. Playing time was especially scarce once conference play began, as Gibbs played 10 or more minutes only four times and broke double digits in scoring but one time as a Longhorn -- a 14-point effort against Nicholls State.

Kabongo opting to return to school was probably the final straw for Gibbs with another point guard inked in the 2012 class -- Louisiana's Javan Felix, who was expected to beat out Gibbs for the right to back up Kabongo.

With Gibbs leaving, the take of Garland Naaman Forest guard DeMarcus Holland just two days ago makes more sense and the Longhorns now have room for both star wing Devonta Pollard and possible Tulsa transfer Jordan Clarkson.

Maybe Rick Barnes does know what he's doing here.

But best of luck to Gibbs with his future career. He was a Longhorn for less than a year after committing last May, but a Longhorn nontheless.