Kendall Stephens' time at Purdue is officially over.
Boilermakers head coach Matt Painter announced last month that Stephens, a St. Charles East product, had requested a release from his scholarship to pursue a potential transfer but that Stephens was still a member of the team and that the door was open for his return to the program.
That status has changed, though, as Painter told reporters Friday that Stephens is searching for a new school and will not return to Purdue.
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"He's committed to finding a new situation for him," Painter said. His quotes were published by the Lafayette Journal Courier. "We wish him the best."
Stephens played a significant role for the Boilers as a freshman and sophomore during the 2013-14 and 2014-15 seasons, averaging 8.0 and 8.7 points per game, respectively. He shot 37 percent and 38.4 percent from 3-point range in those two seasons, averaging better than 20 minutes per game in each.
But this past season was a challenge for Stephens, who after appearing in the team's first 20 games missed significant time while dealing with the death of a childhood friend. Stephens sat out all but four of Purdue's final 15 games of the season, logging just 23 minutes and scoring just three points. He did not see action in the Boilers' final two games of the Big Ten Tournament or in their lone NCAA tournament game.
According to the Journal Courier, Stephens is considering Nevada, San Diego and Tulsa as options for a transfer.
Big Ten
Stephens' confirmed departure from the program adds to the immense roster change that could have Purdue looking like an entirely different team next season. A.J. Hammons, Rapheal Davis and Johnny Hill have moved on following their senior seasons, while Caleb Swanigan and Vince Edwards are exploring the NBA Draft process, which could lead to their departures, as well.