BERKELEY – California men's basketball head coach Wyking Jones announced today that freshman guard Charlie Moore has decided to transfer and continue his college career closer to his hometown of Chicago, Ill.
 
"After many discussions with my family, I've made the decision to transfer to be closer to home," Moore said. "This was an extremely difficult decision for me, but the opportunity to be closer to my family is one that I feel is necessary for me at this time. I am grateful for my first year at California and for teammates who became my brothers. I look forward to supporting Coach Jones and the Bears in the future, and I also want to thank the fans for all their support this past season."
 
Moore averaged 12.2 points in 34 starts while leading the Bears with 120 assists. He finished the season fifth among Cal's freshman records for assists and three-pointers made (45), sixth for points (414) and seventh for free throws made (99). Moore was voted a Pac-12 All-Freshman honorable mention.
 
"Charlie and I have had numerous discussions regarding his role within our program, but I understand that he feels it's in his best interest to return closer to his family," Jones said. "Although I am disappointed that Charlie won't be continuing his career with us, we respect his decision and want to thank him for his contributions to our team."
 
With Moore's departure, California will return one starter next year in single-season blocks leader Kingsley Okoroh, a Pac-12 All-Defensive honorable mention. The Bears will also return eight student-athletes who saw action this season, including Don Coleman, who capped off his first year at Cal with a career-high 26-point outing in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament. The Bears will get an added boost from McDonald's All-American and Kentucky transfer Marcus Lee, who is now eligible to play. Earlier today, Cal signed four-star prospect Justice Sueing and added Australian standout Grant Anticevich to an incoming class that also includes Wooden Award High School Player of the Year Juhwan Harris-Dyson.
 
"Looking forward, we are excited about the student-athletes already in our program who are committed to building on our success here. We also have several talented players joining us this fall who will help shape that culture," Jones added. "We are focused on finding and developing student-athletes who are committed to this program and all that Cal has to offer."