Two ISU men’s basketball players left the team and will transfer. Center Shawn Taggart and guard Farnold Degand have both been granted releases and will transfer, said ISU coach Greg McDermott.

McDermott was hired in March to replace Wayne Morgan, who recruited both Taggart and Degand.

“I respect the decision that Shawn and Farnold have made,” McDermott said. “They have worked hard the last month while evaluating whether Iowa State was the best fit for them.”

Taggart played in all 30 of Iowa State’s games last season, making 14 starts as a true freshman. He averaged 5.6 points per game and 3.6 rebounds.

Degand, a 6’3″ guard, sat out the season as a redshirt.

“I appreciate their contributions to Cyclone basketball and wish them nothing but the best in the future,” McDermott said.

With Taggart, Degand and Tasheed Carr all expected to transfer, Curtis Stinson and Will Blalock testing the NBA waters and the graduation of John Neal and Anthony Davis, only four players who saw significant playing time last season remain at Iowa State.

Rahshon Clark, Jiri Hubalek, Jessan Gray and Ross Marsden are all expected return for McDermott.

– Grant Wall