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Dylan Ennis spent just two years representing Villanova after transferring to the Main Line school from Conference USA's Rice University. The Brampton, Ontario native will graduate with his bachelor's degree next month and, under NCAA rules, can be eligible to play next season for another school as long as his destination offers a graduate program that Villanova does not.
"Dylan has chosen to play his final season in another program," stated Villanova head coach Jay Wright. "We're proud that Dylan will graduate in May with a degree in Communications and appreciate all of his efforts throughout his career here."
Ennis was a starter for the Wildcats this season, appearing in all 36 tip-offs. He averaged 9.9 points and 3.7 rebounds per game and was a key player in the 'Cats 2014-15 campaign that brought home hardware from the Legends Classic, Big East regular season and Big East Tournament, as well as the Big 5 title.
"Dylan is interested in finding a program that will allow him to play the role of a traditional point guard so he can be the primary ball-handler," stated Wright. "We support Dylan and thank him for all of his efforts as a student and athlete at Villanova."
Ennis will be seeking a program where he can have a chance to serve as the primary point guard next season. There has been no word yet on which programs might be interested in the athletic Canadian guard. By playing next year in a more traditional point guard role, Ennis may bolster his credentials for a potential professional career, either in the US or abroad.
Next season, the Wildcats are adding McDonald's All American point guard Jalen Brunson to a roster that also features rising senior point guard Ryan Arcidiacono. While the Villanova system does stress versatility, there would be few minutes available for Ennis as a traditional point guard. Instead, he would be filling a combo-guard role that could now be taken by rising sophomore Phil Booth.
With his degree in hand, Ennis will leave Villanova on good terms. From his positive farewell messages on Twitter, it certainly doesn't seem as though the guard has any ill feelings about his time at the Big 5 school.
Want to thank Villanova University for everything they have done for me. From my coaches to my teammates to the fans. It was a blessing!
— Dylan J. Ennis (@canadiankidDJE) April 2, 2015
"Once a Wildcat, always a Wildcat"
— Dylan J. Ennis (@canadiankidDJE) April 2, 2015
Big East rules will likely prohibit Ennis from transferring to another school in the conference, barring a waiver. There would likely be no other restrictions on his transfer.