Hancock to transfer to Louisville

Junior-to-be Luke Hancock sits watching his teammates during their game against Villanova at this year's NCAA tournament. Hancock scored the game-winning shot. (John Powell)

Men's basketball key player Luke Hancock says he intends to transfer to Louisville, according to a representative from Mason Athletics.

Hancock, a rising junior, asked for permission to contact other schools shortly after former head coach Jim Larranaga's departure to the University of Miami. According to Maureen Nasser, communications director for Mason Athletics, Hancock has now told Athletic Director Tom O'Connor that he intends to complete a transfer to the University of Louisville and play with the Cardinals, a Big East school ranking high in early 2011-2012 projections and the 18th winningest college basketball team in NCAA Division I history. 

Hancock also considered Virginia Tech, Michigan and many other schools, according to various reports.

A letter of intent has not been signed, and until he is enrolled, he has the option to change his mind, according to Nasser.

Hancock led the team in assists this season and was the teams third-highest scorer. He scored the game-winning shot over Villanova in the team's appearance at the NCAA tournament, and was considered by new men's basketball coach Paul Hewitt to be the "face of the program." The shot in the Villanova game, which Hewitt was present for, placed him on "a whole different level" with multiple opportunities if he were to transfer. 

Hewitt told Washington Post's Steven Goff that he was "disappointed, but [Hancock] felt the change was best for him."

Hancock's departure would open up another scholarship for the Patriots.