RaShid Gaston's transfer decision caught coach by surprise

NORFOLK, Virginia -- Norfolk State coach Robert Jones said Tuesday that he was as surprised as anyone when star forward RaShid Gaston walked into his office recently and asked for his release so he could transfer.

Gaston, a 6-foot-9, 240-pound rising senior, is leaving NSU after finishing second on the team in scoring last season, at 15.5 points per game, and second in the MEAC with 9.6 rebounds per game. His destination is unknown.

Gaston came to Jones about three weeks ago to request his release, Jones said, saying he wanted to play for a higher-profile school and enhance his professional possibilities.

"He felt like he would have a better chance to play in the NBA if he played at a higher level," Jones said.

Gaston, a Warren, Ohio, native, was traveling Tuesday and wasn't available for ...

CONTINUE READING