3 transfer from U-M; Burke ponders NBA

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) - Michigan forward Evan Smotrycz is one of three players leaving the Wolverines to transfer, and star point guard Trey Burke is at least considering a jump to the NBA.

Smotrycz, fellow sophomore Colton Christian and freshman Carlton Brundidge are all transferring. Smotrycz started 42 games over the last two seasons.

"We never like to see players leave the program. However, Evan, Colton and Carlton have made the decision to transfer and continue their careers elsewhere," coach John Beilein said in a statement. "All three are fine young men with bright futures. We wish them and their families nothing but success going forward."

Burke, meanwhile, is coming off a superb freshman season. He averaged a team-high 14.8 points per game and looked comfortable from the start against Big Ten competition. The 5-foot-11 Burke took over at point guard after Darius Morris left early for the NBA following the 2010-11 campaign.

Now it's Burke with a decision to make. His father, Benji Burke, confirmed Wednesday that his son is gathering information about his pro prospects.

"I guess when you're 19 and you have a season like that, and you're hot, you've kind of got to at least inquire," Benji Burke said.

Smotrycz was terrific at times early this season, going 22 of 30 from the field during a four-game stretch in December. But his production slipped when Big Ten play began and he lost his starting job.

Smotrycz finished the season averaging 7.7 points per game. He scored 15 points on 6-of-7 shooting in Michigan's NCAA tournament game against Ohio, but the Wolverines were upset by the 13th-seeded Bobcats.

Christian, a forward, and Brundidge, a guard, played sparingly. They combined to score 13 points in 2011-12.

Michigan (24-10) tied for the Big Ten title but dropped its NCAA tournament opener. The Wolverines will also have to replace senior starters Zack Novak and Stu Douglass, meaning Burke's decision is crucial.

Although the 6-foot-9 Smotrycz was a mainstay in the rotation, Michigan is adding some size in its next recruiting class. The Wolverines have signed 6-10 Mitch McGary of Brewster Academy in New Hampshire. Michigan will also welcome a pair of 6-6 forwards -- Glenn Robinson III, son of the former Purdue star with the same name, and Nik Stauskas.