Remy Cofield's exit interview

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I recently caught up with departed Quakers guard Remy Cofield. He left the team almost two weeks ago to make a fresh start next year at a college closer to his Newton, Mass. home. Cofield had a couple of big games as a freshman and showed decent athleticism but was a defensive liability and, by his admission, inconsistent. This year he was relegated to scrub status. Some of what he told me is below, edited for clarity. Look for a full story in the DP soon.

On leaving Penn: I had begun to think about a transfer situation at the onset of the year for two reasons: 1) I was not comfortable with the role I was playing on the team or lack thereof, and 2) I felt a lot of stress which was being amplified by basketball. ... When I said 'personal reasons' for why I was leaving, it was about me and what I was going through which was affecting my family and causing concerns ... I wanted to be closer to my family so I could regain that comfort that I used to have when I played ball.

On playing basketball again: I thought about playing wherever I go and I asked myself this question: Do you still love playing ball? As I've had time to think, I definitely do love playing ball. I do have a short list of schools that I would enjoy going to ... but nothing has been etched in stone.

On forgoing the rest of this season: I just did not want to be a burden to my teammates and what [the coaches] were trying to do with their program. It was the right time for me and I couldn't wait any longer.

On his development as a player: I've had times where I've played well but not on a consistent basis. I know that I have a ton of potential to reach as a player, and I'm nowhere near where I can be. I have a year and a half to work on the things in my game that are weak, and there is no doubt in my mind that I will reach those goals. ... Being here at Penn, I also did not believe that I could develop into the player that I wanted to be. That has bothered me, and played a part in my decision to leave.