March 21, 2012
The following is a statement from Sun Devil Trent Lockett on what was reported yesterday, along with quotes from Herb Sendek.
SUN DEVIL Trent Lockett
"As most of you have heard the past few days have been a very difficult time for my family and I. Arizona State has been a great place for me to mature as both a person and a player and earn my college degree. Everyone at the University has been wonderful to me and I have told many people thank you already for their help. I want to say thanks to a great coaching staff and to all those associated with the program as they are helping me through a very difficult time.
With the recent news of my mother's illness, I want to be honest with everyone and say that it is in my best interest to possibly pursue playing my final season closer to home. At this time, my energy and focus needs to start now on being as close to my mom as I can while at the same time pursuing career goals with one year of college basketball remaining. However, that does not mean I have closed the door on returning next season to ASU. It only means I have to prepare.
Coach Sendek and his staff did a great job in recruiting me and coaching me, and this past season was difficult on all of us. Being out a month because of an injury was very hard. This past week has been even harder. I am appreciative of everyone who is supporting me at this time. At this time I think it is important for my family and I to invest everything we have in making sure the next step for us is the best one. I thank everyone for their understanding as we begin the process. The support of the Arizona State community is what is helping us right now."
SUN DEVIL HEAD COACH Herb Sendek
"We are giving Trent and his family all of our support at this time. At the present moment, the focus is making sure he and his family know that Arizona State is here to help him. Trent is a wonderful young man who has been an outstanding ambassador for our university and basketball program and has established himself as one of the best players that I have ever coached.
The main reason we've had student-athletes transfer out of our program is a combination of expectations around playing time and holding them accountable for their actions. It is important that we maintain certain standards and expectations and not lower them. Ideally, we want everybody to stay and graduate. But in some instances it's better for them not to stay. The Trent Lockett situation is completely separate from the other transfers because he has a deeply personal issue and we are supportive of him. Our top concern right now is for Trent and his family.
During this past season, I have done a deep introspective look at our program under my leadership. I take ownership of the past two seasons and understand where and who we need to recruit. I understand all Sun Devils want an exciting team of young men on the floor that compete with passion and character each game. I am confident we have that group of young men assembled to play at ASU that can compete for a Pac-12 Championship in the near future."