Sorry to see Withey wanting to leave

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Steve Rivera

Hello everyone. Obviously, this is me and I enjoy what I do. I've been writing for the Tucson Citizen for more than 21 years (it doesn't feel that long). I'll start my 18th season of Arizona basketball this year (2008-09). Before that, I covered Arizona f

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The news of freshman Jeff Withey deciding to transfer from Arizona does not come as a surprise. He decided on Arizona because of Lute Olson and the family wasn’t at all opposed to having Kevin O’Neill as the coach in that O’Neill had NBA coaching experience and would have helped Withey, a 6-foot-10 lanky type, get to the pros.

But everything changed when O’Neill and Josh Pastner left and Miles Simon was fired. Every coach at UA was new. And then Olson unexpectedly retired last week. If Withey does get his release from UA – that will be determined sometime soon – it’s a disappointment to see him go. He was one of the more media-friendly players this season, most often granting quick interviews. He also was often well-spoken and affable. In a season that could see plenty of rough times, someone like that is truly appreciated.