Crawford Out?

This is surprising:

One of Kentucky's ballyhooed freshmen, guard Joe Crawford, appeared on the brink of transferring, Coach Tubby Smith said on his weekly radio show last night.

Smith's comments came after meeting with Crawford's parents to "explore the option of transferring," team spokesman Scott Stricklin said.

"Their first inclination is to transfer," Smith said on the radio. "If he does, we wish him the best." The UK coach made it clear he preferred that Crawford, a McDonald's All-American from Detroit, stay. Smith noted the would-be waste of "energy and resources" devoted to recruiting prospects. He gave Crawford an indefinite period to think over the options.

"He's a great kid," Smith said. "I hope he understands we want him here. He also understands he has to do what's best for him."

What's interesting is that Crawford is averaging over 13 minutes a game. Under Tubby, that's a lot. Crawford may be upset that Rondo and Morris are playing more, but Crawford hasn't shown much to this point. Here's hoping he grows up and sticks it out.