ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Michigan head coach John Beilein announced Thursday that senior forward Jon Horford will not return to the Wolverine program in 2014-15, planning to transfer for his final season of eligibility.
"Jon has been an integral part of our many accomplishments over the last four years," Beilein said. "He brought great enthusiasm, leadership and work ethic to our program. Jon is a wonderful young man, who has a very bright future ahead of him. With his graduation this May, he will have the opportunity to play immediately at another Division I program. We will be rooting for him every step of the way."
"My time at Michigan has been the most beneficial period of my life in terms of athletic development and overall enlightenment," Horford said. "The bonds created over the last four years are everlasting, and the memories made are truly priceless. As on all journeys, new paths must be taken and intuition must be trusted. I leave Michigan with nothing but love in my heart."
Horford, a tri-captain this season, played in 107 career games during his four seasons in Ann Arbor. After playing in 29 games as a freshman, a foot injury limited him to just nine games as a sophomore, and he redshirted the remainder of the season. Over the last two seasons, he played in 69 games with 11 starts. The team had an 87-33 record for games in which he played.
He helped the Wolverines to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances, including a trip to the national title game in 2013 and the Elite Eight in 2014. During his tenure, the Wolverines won their first Big Ten regular-season title in 26 years in 2012 and first outright title in 2014.
Horford is scheduled to finish his undergrad degree this May.
