Villanova confirms Benn transfer

It's official: Bilal Benn is transferring to Niagara, and a precious scholarship will be opened for the Wildcats.

Villanova released a short statement last night confirming Benn's transfer.

Villanova coach Jay Wright thanked Benn for his contribution to the program:

We are sad to have Bilal leave our team but we are happy for him that he will be joining Joe Mihalich at Niagara University. He will always be a part of our Villanova family.

We are proud of Bilal and appreciate his efforts these last two years. He remains in good academic standing and has always made a positive impact on the Villanova community. This is a basketball decision on his part that we all support.

Benn must sit out a year before he can play for the Niagara Purple Eagles.

As mentioned in a story this weekend, Benn's transfer frees up a desperately needed scholarship that will likely be first offered to 2008 superstar Tyreke Evans.