Western’s transfers over the last few seasons have all left the Hill in search of a team that fit their preferences.

These players have transferred to schools from coast to coast even if it meant playing two sports.

Sophomore forward Ryan Lambert jettisoned from Western after his freshman season two years ago for Duquesne in Pittsburgh.

“I liked Western. I was just looking for a better running style,” Lambert said. “There wasn’t any particular reason I left, but I did want to be closer to home.”

The Germantown, Md., native started 20 games in 2003-04 and averaged 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. Lambert was also the first player to sign with the Toppers under coach Darrin Horn.

Lambert said transferring has been an easier adjustment thanks to senior forward Elgrace Wilborn, who transferred from Tennessee in 2003.

“At first, I talked to Elgrace about sitting out a year, and he said it was hard because you want to help your team,” Lambert said. “But it’s helped me understand the game better.”

Sophomore guard Nick Hill has stayed on the court but has also tested himself on another playing surface.

In addition to playing to basketball, Hill is also the backup quarterback at Southern Illinois.

“It hasn’t been a big transition, and that year off really helped me,” Hill said. “I didn’t think I’d have to sit out a year, but everything happens for a reason.”

After averaging 1.7 points and 8.5 minutes off the bench at Western, Hill said the year off gave him an extra year to get used to football while working with the strength coach.

“I got a lot quicker and went from 190 pounds to 210 pounds,” Hill said. “That year off also got me ready to play football and learn the offense.”

Junior center Josh Higgins left the team after averaging 2.6 points in 27 games last season.

The 7 footer will sit out this season after transferring to Santa Clara in California.

“I just wanted to go somewhere to get more playing time, Higgins said. “I wasn’t looking at where it would be, it just happened to be in California. Being out here with the beach never really hurts though.”

Higgins said he’s making the most of this season off by working on a lot of areas of his game.

“I looked at it as an advantage because it’s another year of experience,” he said. “Plus, it’s gotten me a leg up because I’ve got my weight down and worked on my footwork.”

Sophomore guard Kevin Massiah left Western after the 2003-04 season after averaging one point in 23 games in his freshman season.

Massiah landed at Wisconsin-Milwaukee this season after not seeing any action at Western during his sophomore season.

Although now scattered throughout the country, Hill said the transfers still loosely keep up with each other.

“I appreciate everything that coach Horn and Western did for me,” Hill said. “It came down to family and a lot of things. SIU is just more right for me.”

Reach Jason Stamm
at sports@wkuherald.com.