UConn basketball player transfers to K-State
By BLAIR KERKHOFF
The Kansas City Star
Kansas State made it official Wednesday, announcing that 6-foot-9 forward Curtis Kelly has transferred to the program from Connecticut.
Kelly, who just completed his sophomore year, will sit out the 2008-09 season and have two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Kelly appeared in 51 games in two seasons for the Huskies and averaged 2.4 points and 2.2 rebounds.
Last season, Kelly sat out the final six games because of a dislocated left elbow.
Kelly was a top prospect out of Rice High in Queens, N.Y., where he averaged 21 points, 11 rebounds and four blocks as a senior, helping his team to the city and state Catholic school championships.
“He and I both agree that he may have more opportunity playing at another program,” Connecticut coach Jim Calhoun said in April.
Said Kansas State coach Frank Martin: “He was as talented a big man as I have seen in high school. He will utilize this upcoming year to learn our system along with getting in great shape. His presence in practice will make all of our frontcourt players better.”
Kelly is the fourth player to sign with the Wildcats during the spring signing period. He’s the second player from a Big East program to transfer to K-State in the last two years, joining Miami transfer Denis Clemente, a guard who will be eligible this season.
K-State spring signees
| Player | Ht. | Yr. | School |
| F Curtis Kelly* | 6-9 | Jr. | Connecticut |
| G Butch Awaji | 6-3 | Jr. | Citrus (Calif.) College |
| C Abdul Herrera | 6-11 | Jr. | Hutchinson CC |
| C Jordan Henriquez | 6-11 | Fr. | Port Chester, N.Y. |
*eligible 2009-10 season
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