Max Hoetzel latest IU player to transfer
BLOOMINGTON -- Indiana's basketball program has lost its second player this week, as 6-8 freshman forward Max Hoetzel plans to transfer.
The program confirmed Hoetzel's decision in a press release.
Indiana is now at its scholarship limit for next season, with spots open for each of its two current signees.
"We were always impressed with Max's upside and potential but unfortunately in his view it did not turn into the extended minutes he wanted," IU coach Tom Crean said in the release. "He would like to find a clear cut opportunity to play more and we hope he finds that. He is a hard worker who we hope will fulfill his potential and have the chance to play closer to his family."
Hoetzel, originally from Calabasas, Calif., played in 31 games and averaged 7.7 minutes and 2.4 points per game.
"I loved my time here at Indiana and can't thank Coach Crean enough for this opportunity," said Hoetzel. "I want to find a school where I can have a bigger impact on the court. Hopefully, it will be somewhere my family can see me play more often."
Hoetzel is not the first Hoosier to leave the program this week. Stanford Robinson announced he was transferring from IU on Wednesday. As with Robinson, the release announcing Hoetzel's departure cited a desire for further playing time as the motivating factor in his decision.
Indiana recruited Hoetzel from Wilbraham & Monson Academy in Massachusetts. A teammate of one-time center target Goodluck Okonoboh, Hoetzel built a reputation in the competitive prep school leagues in New England as a talented shooter, appealing to an IU program largely bereft of that particular skill during the 2013-14 season.
Playing as a reserve this winter, Hoetzel averaged 34.5 percent from behind the 3-point line. His best game in an Indiana uniform was his first. Hoetzel scored 19 points and grabbed nine rebounds in the Hoosiers' season-opening 116-65 win over Mississippi Valley State.
Crean said near the end of the season that he would've preferred to redshirt Hoetzel, but that Devin Davis' season-ending injury suffered in a Nov. 1 car accident wouldn't allow that.
Because of this week's departures, the Hoosiers now have space under the 13-scholarship limit to fit 2015 signees Juwan Morgan and OG Anunoby.
Crean and his staff are still actively recruiting post players in the current senior class, including 7-foot forward Thon Maker and 6-10 forward Thomas Bryant. Both are considered five-star prospects by recruiting service 247Sports, and Bryant is a McDonald's All-American. They each visited for Indiana's final regular-season game earlier this month, against Michigan State.
Adding one or both would land Indiana back in an oversigned position for next season.
Follow Star reporter Zach Osterman on Twitter: @ZachOsterman.