McDonald plans to transfer

Freshman Montrell McDonald said Tuesday he plans to transfer before the upcoming season. The 6-foot-7 Fort Worth, Texas native averaged 4.4 points in 13.1 minutes per game as the top freshman reserve on the squad.

The swingman was suspended Feb. 18 for an unspecified team violation. He declined to say where he plans to transfer. Sources close to the program said he is looking to transfer to Texas A&M-Corpus Cristi, where he originally committed to matriculate.

Kim Beck gets MVP

Sophomore Kim Beck was awarded the women’s basketball team’s most valuable player award. Classmate Sarah-Jo Lawrence was the night’s big winner, taking home the Most Improved Player, Arthur Ashe Jr. Sports Scholars , and Abbie Oliver Smith awards.

Sophomores Lisa Steele, Lora Mitchell and Junior Whitney Allen took home the Courage Award, the Unsung Hero Award and the Strength and Conditioning Award, respectively.

Freshman Jazmine Adair was named the Newcomer of the Year while senior Jessica Simmonds won the Defensive Player of the Year Award.

Junior Kenan Cole received the Academic Excellence Award for the third consecutive year.