Autry Leaving Grizzly Hoops Program

Vaugh Autry, who completed his first season with the University of Montana men's basketball team this past winter, has decided to transfer.

Autry, who averaged 1.5 points per game as a true freshman a season ago, expressed a desire to enroll in a college closer to his hometown of Los Angeles.

Autry was part of a six-player recruiting class last year, a class that garnered national attention from ESPN.

In an ironic twist, the recruiting class received such high praise due to the signing of Autry, who many predicted would have an immediate impact.

However, it was fellow freshman Kareem Jamar who became a key cog to the Griz last season.

So, how does Autry's departure affect the Grizzlies? For starters, a new point guard of the future must be groomed. Senior Shawn Stockton and junior Will Cherry will handle the majority of the minutes at the point next year, but Autry was being counted upon as the heir apparent when those two graduate.

For now, I don't really see any players outside of Stockton or Cherry who could play the point guard position at a high rate. Head coach Wayne Tinkle will likely address this spot in future recruiting endeavors.

So while the future of the team is slightly affected by this loss, the present is pretty set. Montana lost just one player (Brian Qvale) to graduation this past year.