DePaul head coach Oliver Purnell announced that Donnavan Kirk has transferred to DePaul. Kirk is a redshirt freshman that was granted his release from Miami (Fla.) (The U! The U! It’s all about the U!) on Dec. 29 and started classes at DePaul on Monday.
“Donnavan Kirk is an outstanding run and jump athlete,” said Purnell. “He should fit into our system really well. The fact that he can start practice immediately is an advantage for him going into next season.”
Under college basketball guidelines, Kirk is scheduled to sit out the remainder of the 2010-11 season and the Autumn Quarter of the 2011-12 season. DePaul’s Autumn Quarter exams are scheduled to end on Nov. 22.
Kirk, a 6-9 forward, played in 13 games this season as a redshirt freshman and averaged 2.7 points and 1.6 rebounds in 9.5 minutes of action. The Pontiac, Mich., native shot .406 (13-32) from the field and .900 (9-10) from the free throw line while making three starts for the Hurricanes.
As a freshman in 2009-10, Kirk was limited to four games due to injury. He was recognized with the team’s “Iron Man Award” in recognition of the Miami Hurricane who has exhibited dedication in the classroom, locker room and weight room. Current DePaul strength and conditioning coach Mac Calloway was the men’s basketball strength and conditioning coach with the Hurricanes during Kirk’s freshman season.
Prior to Miami, Kirk was ranked among the nation’s top 30 power forwards by both ESPN.com and Scout.com. He averaged 13.2 points and nine rebounds game at Detroit Country Day while shooting an impressive .540 from the field. He played on the AAU circuit with The Family and was also recognized as a four-star recruit by Scout.com.
The Blue Demons continue BIG EAST play Wednesday night against Seton Hall at Allstate Arena before hosting Connecticut on Saturday afternoon.
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