Men's Basketball: Baran to Transfer

Coach Bill Carmody announced Wednesday that sophomore Nikola Baran will transfer and leave the Northwestern program.

"I would like to thank Nikola for his commitment to the program for the past two seasons," Carmody said in a press release. "He has decided to seek another opportunity where he can receive more playing time and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

Baran played all 30 games last year for the Wildcats, starting 16. He averaged 3.1 points per game and 1.1 rebounds per game while shooting 29.8 percent from the field. Baran redshirted his freshman season.

Ivan Peljusic replaced Baran in the starting lineup in the middle of the season as the 6-foot-8 Baran continued to struggle with his shot and defend the bigger post players of the Big Ten.

With four post players coming into the program next season -- John Shurna, Davide Curletti, Kyle Rowley and Luka Mirkovic -- Baran seemed to be the one who would get lost in the shuffle.