Luke Hancock, one of the mainstays on George Mason basketball's first-place CAA team last season, has decided to transfer to Louisville, according to a report by Rick Bozich of the Louisville Journal-Constitution. Hancock had considered many schools, including Michigan and Virginia, but evidently has chosen Rick Pitino's squad as his new home.
Hancock was George Mason's third-leading scorer and leading assist man last season, and his absence due to food poisoning is a big reason George Mason was blown out by Ohio State in the Round of 32 in the NCAA Tournament. Hancock considered a transfer once Jim Larranaga left to coach Miami, and has followed through on his initial thought despite George Mason hiring Paul Hewitt as its next head coach.
Hancock's loss throws a major dent in George Mason's hopes next season. Prior to Hancock's departure, the Patriots stood to lose only one key player (Cam Long) from last year's squad that won the CAA regular season title. Now, Hewitt will have to replace another key player, one whose idiosyncratic game was a huge key in creating matchup problems.