Kouassi, Morena Transfer

[AUChizad]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/03/willy_kouassi_bernard_morena_g.html

Willy Kouassi, Bernard Morena granted release, plan to transfer from Auburn
Published: Monday, March 19, 2012, 1:43 PM
By Evan Woodbery/Auburn Bureau, The Birmingham News, Press-Register, and The Huntsville Times

AUBURN, Alabama -- Auburn freshmen basketball players Willy Kouassi and Bernard Morena have been granted full releases and plan to transfer.

Darien Knox, the players' coach and guardian, confirmed the news this afternoon.

Both players are native of the Ivory Coast and attended high school at Central Park Christian in Birmingham.

Morena, a 6-foot-8 forward, took a redshirt this season after suffering an injury.

Kouassi, a 6-10 center, averaged 1.5 points and 2.6 rebounds in 25 games this year.

Knox said the players appreciate the "support and love" from Auburn's administration, faculty, students, fans and coaches.

Kouassi spent most of the season as third-string center behind Rob Chubb and Adrian Forbes, but got more minutes late in the year.

"He's a fighter and he's been fighting in practice," Barbee said at the time. "He's going to be fantastic in time. He's going to be one of the best big guys in this league. But it's going to continue to be a work in progress."

Morena suffered a hand injury early in the year and was quickly slated for a redshirt season.

Auburn has signed four players and has a verbal commitment from a fifth and is losing only three seniors, so turnover this offseason was inevitable.

Varez Ward, who is currently the subject of a federal point-shaving investigation, is not expected to return. The departure of Kouassi and Morena could leave Auburn with one open scholarship for 2012-2013.

Fuck. So is Barbee about to be Lebo II? Stuck in a perpetual "rebuilding" season due to constantly losing guys?

[War Eagle!!!]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/03/willy_kouassi_bernard_morena_g.html

Fuck. So is Barbee about to be Lebo II? Stuck in a perpetual "rebuilding" season due to constantly losing guys?

I have no clue...but I did just read this...

Auburn has signed four players and has a verbal commitment from a fifth and is losing only three seniors, so turnover this offseason was inevitable.

I would assume that this means that Barbee had to do this...

[AUTiger1]

Does this make more room for his recruits?  I wonder if that has anything to do with it?

[AU_Tiger_2000]

I have no clue...but I did just read this...

I would assume that this means that Barbee had to do this...

It's a process.

[Godfather]

http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2012/03/willy_kouassi_bernard_morena_g.html

Fuck. So is Barbee about to be Lebo II? Stuck in a perpetual "rebuilding" season due to constantly losing guys?

I read it like WE did...so Barbee is more of a $aban then a Lebo.

[GH2001]

I read it like WE did...so Barbee is more of a $aban then a Lebo.

Lebo needs to go. He is running players off now.