On Monday, La Salle sophomore guard D.J. Peterson was granted a release from his scholarship, as the Burnsville, Minn. native cited a desire to attend a school closer to his hometown.
But after considering his options and discussing the situation with both his parents and teammates, Peterson has decided to return to La Salle for his junior season.
“D.J. is close to his family and has missed them during his long absences from home,” head coach Dr. John Giannini said in a statement released by the school. “He also is close to his La Salle teammates. After deciding to transfer, he spoke with his parents and teammates and has since decided to stay at La Salle. D.J.'s decision is strictly personal and not basketball-related.”
“It is hard for a young person to be pulled in two different directions,” Giannini continued. “I respect that D.J. has had to make a difficult personal decision. Our recent success is largely due to our chemistry and family atmosphere. We would support any decisions D.J. makes for his future and we are happy that we will continue to be a part of our team.”
Peterson started 17 of the 34 games in which he played this past season, averaging 3.9 points, 2.4 rebounds and 1.5 assists per contest for the Explorers.
His numbers certainly aren’t as flashy as those posted by the likes of Ramon Galloway, Tyreek Duren or Ty Garland, but Peterson proved to be a solid member of a rotation that reached the Sweet 16.
His decision to return next season gives Dr. Giannini more depth on the perimeter as Galloway is out of eligibility. La Salle adds newcomer Amar Stukes on the perimeter, and they’ll also have the services of Cleon Roberts (redshirted in 2012-13).
Raphielle also writes for the NBE Basketball Report and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.