Tirus Smith and Trey Wade Will Transfer from UTEP

Forward Tirus Smith and forward/guard Trey Wade declared they will transfer from the UTEP men's basketball program in tweets sent out Tuesday morning.

The two up-and-comers for the program will join Trey Touchet in transferring from the program during this off-season.

Freshman forward Tirus Smith had an emerging freshman season for the Miners. He missed nearly half the season with a knee injury and averaged 4.4. points per game, 3.1 boards per game and nearly a block a game in 24 games played. He posted an impressive 46.3 percent from the floor and ranked third on the team with 11 blocks.

Smith had flashes of greatness when he scored 15 against Incarnate Word and 17 against Howard—both coming off the bench.

With Matt Willms graduating, Smith could have worked his way into the starting lineup next season as a starting big man down low.

Wade was one of the Miners' most significant weapons off the bench. He averaged 7.2 points per game, 4.2 boards a contest and shot 48.1 percent from the field. Surprisingly enough, Wade beat out Smith in blocks with 23 this season. He was No. 11 in Conference USA in blocks and No. 15 in field goal percentage.

He also showed promise late in conference, dropping 22 against UAB on the road and 14 against Middle Tennessee State.

From what it looks like, the Miners hope to return guards Evan Gilyard, Kobe Magee, Isiah Osborne, and forward Paul Thomas.

They will desperately need to fill the roles of a center, a wing/guard, who can play the 3, and need some off-the-bench depth this off-season.

No word on any other players deciding on their intent to transfer from the program. National Signing Day will begin Wednesday, April 11.

Check out Sports Talk today from 4 p.m. - 7 p.m  as Steve Kaplowitz will have UTEP men's basketball head coach Rodney Terry on the show.