Crandall Head leaves Illini basketball

CHAMPAIGN — sophomore guard Crandall Head has left the Illinois basketball program, head coach Bruce Weber announced Tuesday.

Head, a 6-foot-4 highly recruiting shooting guard from Matteson, Ill., and Rich South High School, is the brother of former Illini guard Luther Head. He was suspended for four games to start the basketball season and averaged only 9.2 minutes in nine games this season.

“We are disappointed with Crandall’s decision not to continue his career at Illinois, but ultimately we want what is best for him,” Weber said. “We have developed and maintained a close relationship with Crandall and his family through the years and will always support them. We wish Crandall all the best.”

Head told Scott Powers of espn.com that he is considering transferring to UNLV, which features a features a more uptempo style of offense.Head played in 26 games with the Illini, averaging 1.2 points. He appeared in 17 games as a freshman, totaling 23 points, and saw action in nine games this season, tallying 9 points. #147;I still have love for my teammates and coaches and wish them the best, but I#146;ve come to the decision that I need to make a fresh start,#148; Head said. #147;I want to thank the program and fans for the all the support they gave me during my time in Champaign.#148;