DePaul star forward and Chicago native Aneesah Morrow announced Wednesday she is entering the NCAA transfer portal.
The 6-foot-1 sophomore from Simeon will be one of the most coveted transfers in the country after averaging 25.7 points (fourth in the nation) and 12.2 rebounds (seventh) this past season.
“I am extremely thankful for the leadership abilities and expertise I have acquired while studying at DePaul University,” Morrow wrote in a statement posted on Twitter. “After reflecting on my decision and consulting with my loved ones, I want to express gratitude to the coaching staff, administration, and fans of the City of Chicago for their faith in me and allowing me to be a part of an outstanding program.
“However, after careful consideration, I think it is best if I seek alternative options for my college basketball career. That being said, I am placing my name in the transfer portal.”
Despite Morrow’s numerous accolades — including a third-team Associated Press All-America selection and unanimous first-team All-Big East honors — the Blue Demons finished 16-17 (8-12 Big East) and missed the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three years after making 17 consecutive appearances from 2003-19.
Morrow also was named a finalist for the WBCA All-America team and the Katrina McClain Award as the nation’s top power forward, a semifinalist for the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year and one of 15 players on the national ballot for the John R. Wooden Award.
As the 2021-22 national freshman of the year, she led the country in rebounding (13.8 per game) and offensive rebounding (5.8) and finished in the top 11 in double-doubles (27, second), steals (89, ninth) and scoring (21.9 points per game, 11th).
Morrow reached 1,000 career points in 43 games, and her 848 points this past season set a DePaul record.
Though she liked playing close to home, Morrow told the Tribune in January: “I do feel like I’m kind of overlooked. I feel like numbers don’t lie. And at the end of the day, my numbers are not lying.”
