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Central Connecticut State sophomore guard Kyle Vinales to transfer

Victor Oladipo, Kyle Vinales

Central Connecticut State’s Kyle Vinales (1) goes to the basket against Indiana’s Victor Oladipo (4) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012, in Bloomington, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

AP

In just two seasons at Central Connecticut State, 6-4 guard Kyle Vinales managed to score more than 1,100 points and was on track to be one of the best players in school history.

But those two seasons also ended short of the NCAA tournament, leaving the Detroit native wanting more. That has led to Vinales requesting (and receiving) a release from his scholarship, with Vinales hoping to join a program that has a better chance of reaching the NCAA tournament.

In an interview with Mike Anthony of the Hartford Courant Vinales mentioned the Atlantic 10 as a possible destination (conference-wise), but also noted that he’s open to attend any school.

“Nothing [bad] happened at Central,” Vinales said Thursday, two days after he shocked coach Howie Dickenman by requesting a release from his scholarship. “Everything here was good. Coach D and the staff and the athletic department showed a lot of love for me. But the part that got me was the NCAA Tournament, watching that, how fun that would be to play in. I can play in that, with that talent level. I feel I’ve worked hard enough and I’m good enough.”

Vinales averaged 21.6 points per game as a sophomore but the scoring didn’t translate into success in the win column, as CCSU went 13-17 (9-9 NEC) and lost to Wagner in the quarterfinals of the Northeast Conference tournament.

Since making its last NCAA tournament appearance in 2007 the Blue Devils have posted a losing record in five of six seasons. In each of CCSU’s last two seasons their play defensively was a major issue, with the Blue Devils ranking 309th in adjusted defensive efficiency in 2012-13 (per kenpom.com).

The question now is what the Blue Devils will do to account for the departures of Vinales and forward Joe Efese, with guard Matt Hunter (15.7 ppg, 7.7 rpg) being the player who will likely have to lead the way in 2013-14.

Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.