MATTHEW VANTRYON | ASST. SPORTS EDITOR

The Butler men’s basketball program lost one player today but gained another. Freshman Elijah Brown announced that he will be transferring from the program while former Indiana University guard Austin Etherington announced he will be joining the program.

Brown averaged 6.8 points per game and 2.2 rebounds in 30 games this season for the Bulldogs. He scored a career-high 19 points versus Villanova in the team’s conference opener this season.

Head coach Brandon Miller released a statement regarding Brown’s decision.

“We appreciate Elijah and all of his efforts throughout his time here at Butler. (Elijah) and I have had discussions about his decision and we wish him nothing but the best,” Mille said. “In knowing Elijah’s intent to transfer, we will look to add to our incoming recruiting class. I am extremely excited about the team we have returning and our current incoming recruiting class.”

Brown also offered a statement explaining his decision.

“I would like to thank my coaches, teammates and the Butler community. I’m blessed to have been treated as well as I have been here at Butler by everyone involved in the basketball program,” Brown said.

Brown is the fifth scholarship player to leave the program since November, joining Nolan Berry, Renee Castro, Devontae Morgan and Andrew Smeathers.

Etherington played at Indiana University for three seasons while earning his bachelor’s degree. Etherington averaged 2.0 points per game this season for the Hoosiers.

Etherington has two years of eligibility remaining and will be available immediately.

His father, Bret Etherington, played at Butler from 1987-1991.

Butler has three open scholarships remaining.