Javion Ogunyemi transferring from Siena

Javion Ogunyemi will transfer from Siena, school announced, leaving Saints after his sophomore season. (Photo courtesy of the Albany Times Union)

Jimmy Patsos will get reinforcements in the frontcourt next season, but as Siena takes two steps forward, the Saints also take one step back.

In somewhat of a surprise announcement, sophomore forward Javion Ogunyemi will be transferring from Loudonville, the school announced this afternoon. The native of Troy, New York will have two seasons of eligibility remaining when he departs upon the conclusion of the spring semester, and will sit out the 2015-16 season as he completes his mandatory year in residence.

"Javion said he wants a change of scenery and a new journey," Patsos said through a release issued by Siena College. "We love him, we want him to be happy. He's a good basketball player and a good person."

Arguably one of the most improved players in the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference this year, Ogunyemi averaged 9.3 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game for Siena during an 11-20 campaign that was plagued by a lack of depth and injuries to forwards Brett Bisping and Imoh Silas, both of whom are expected to return next season to join Lavon Long up front for the Saints, who also return Marquis Wright and Ryan Oliver in the backcourt, along with burgeoning wing Jimmy Paige, who will enter his sophomore season. Ogunyemi will leave the college in good academic standing.

"I would like to thank Coach Patsos and the Siena family for giving me the opportunity to be part of a great basketball program the last two years," Ogunyemi reflected. "I wish Coach Patsos and the team the best of luck in the upcoming seasons."