WKU Basketball: Marek Nelson Transfers away from Hilltopper Program

WKU Basketball got an unexpected departure on Tuesday afternoon as Junior forward Marek Nelson announced that he was leaving the…

Photo Credit: Evan Brown | EvanBrownSports.com

WKU Basketball got an unexpected departure on Tuesday afternoon as Junior forward Marek Nelson announced that he was leaving the Hilltopper Basketball program

Nelson played two seasons in a Hilltopper uniform after deciding to skip his senior year of high school. The Plano, Texas native was a fairly consistent player in his two years on the Hill carving out a role as an important hustle player when he saw the floor. In the two years on the Hill he averaged 2.6 points per game & 1.7 rebounds. He was a valuable piece during the shorthanded 2017–18 season, including being called for the infamous charge at Wisconsin.

He battled through a suspension and injuries during his sophomore season playing just 18 games. He did hit the game-winning layup against Arkansas.

Nelson probably never was going to be a star player but he had key role player written all over him. I often compared his potential to former reverse Boris Siakam because he would defend, rebound, draw charges and spell starters when they needed a break. Without him, there will be less depth and experience but I think the team will be ok with Carson Williams & freshman Isiah Cozart probably using most of his minutes.

No word on whether playing time or other factors led to his departure. Without him on the roster, WKU is now down to 12 scholarship players and one walk-on. It will be interesting to see if Stansbury fills his spot with a transfer or rewards that scholarship to walk-on Patrick Murphy for the upcoming season.

Best of luck to Marek moving forward. Here’s where the roster stands with his unexpected departure

1. Jared Savage — Senior (Forward)

2. Camron Justice- Senior (Guard)

3. Kenny Cooper- Senior (Guard)

4. Taveion Hollingsworth — Junior (Guard)

5. Josh Anderson — Junior (Guard)

6. Carson Williams — Junior (Forward)

7. Charles Bassey — Sophomore (Center)

8. Tolu Smith — Sophomore (Forward)

9. Jeremiah Gambrell — Redshirt Freshman(Guard)

10. Isiah Cozart — Freshman (Forward)

11. Jackson Harlan — Freshman (Guard)

12. Jordan Rawls- Freshman (Guard)

Walk On — Patrick Murphy — Junior (Guard)