Update on Potential Gonzaga Transfer Eric McClellan
By Josh Horton
Dec 30, 2013; Nashville, TN, USA; Vanderbilt Commodores guard
Eric McClellan(1) shoots against Saint Louis Billikens forward
Jake Barnett(30) during the first half at Memorial Gym. Mandatory Credit: Jim Brown-USA TODAY Sports
With Gonzaga having a scholarship available for the 2014-2015 season, Eric McClellan is a viable option to fill that spot.
McClellan, who is a transfer from Vanderbilt, will be arriving on the Gonzaga campus this upcoming Sunday evening and will leave on Tuesday, he told West Coast Convo. It was previously speculated that McClellan visited on Tuesday, but that appears to not be the case.
The Vanderbilt transfer also indicated that Gonzaga will be the first and only school he will visit.
In terms of eligibility, McClellan said that aspect is to be determined. He spent a season at Tulsa before transferring to Vanderbilt, sitting out a season and playing 12 games for the Commodores.
McClellan was dismissed from the Vanderbilt in January after a violation of team rules. It was unfortunate for both parties involved, considering McClellan started in all 12 contests he suited up for and averaged 14.3 points, but McClellan went to twitter to express his regret and showed a lot of maturity in the process:
"“I’ve waited to bring some things to light. Obviously doing a lot of thinking & reflecting.”“I want to thank everyone apart of the Vanderbilt community & culture for accepting me & giving me a wonderful opportunity.”“I want to thank the staff & my teammates for all the memories that can never be replaced. I’ve learned a tremendous amount from them.”“This isn’t about basketball, this is about how I progress as a man. I’ve made decisions that I’m going to have to live with.”“& these decisions that’ll help me become a better person. God makes no mistakes and this is another test & it’s all about how I respond.”“I needed this for my maturation process & the journey is beautiful. Even when we’re in our darkest moments. I have to be & will be better.”“Thank you, Nashville for the memories, lessons, friendships established & opportunities given. I’m eternally grateful!”“Much love to everyone that has reached out to send their positive & encouraging thoughts. I needed them more than you probably know!”"
McClellan could add even more depth to a Gonzaga backcourt that is expected to be one of the best in the nation, assuming he is eligible this season. In the following year, with Kevin Pangos and Gary Bell Jr. graduated, McClellan has the potential to make a serious impact, based on his past production as a high-volume scorer.