June 20, 2000

NOTRE DAME, Ind. — Mike Monserez, a freshman member of Notre Dame’s National Invitation Tournament runner-up men’s basketball squad in 1999-2000, has informed Irish coach Matt Doherty that he plans to transfer.

The University has granted Monserez’ request to be released from his scholarship.

“I wish to thank the University of Notre Dame for the opportunity to attend the University and play college basketball. The decision to leave Notre Dame has been very difficult. I have thoroughly enjoyed my coaches, my teammates and the University. In particular, the Notre Dame players were great, and I know that I will not find 12 better teammates. I also enjoyed my courses at Notre Dame and am pleased with how much I learned, how supportive my professors were, and with my academic achievements,” Monserez said.

“However, I feel it is in my best interests to leave Notre Dame. I only get one opportunity to play college basketball, and I have much I want to accomplish. As discussed frequently with me throughout my Notre Dame recruiting process, there was a great opportunity to play a key role in leading the team from either guard position. While clearly headed for great success, the Notre Dame basketball program no longer provides me that great opportunity.

“Again, I am a supporter of Coach Doherty and his program. And, at very few places in this country could I find better teammates, and I wish them every success. Notre Dame is a great University, and I am thankful for the opportunity to attend such a fine school and to represent the University as a member of its basketball team.”

“We’re sorry Mike has decided to leave Notre Dame,” said Doherty.

“He has represented the University in a first-class manner. We’ll miss him and we wish him nothing but the best. He’ll always be part of the Notre Dame basketball family at Notre Dame.”

Monserez played in all 37 games for the Irish in 1999-2000. He averaged 2.2 points, 0.8 rebounds and had 34 assists while averaging 9.4 minutes per contest. He finished 22 of 67 from the three-point line.

Monserez was a former Ohio all-stater at Moeller High School in Cincinnati, Ohio. His local ties included his father, Marty, who grew up in the South Bend area, and grandparents who still live in the South Bend area.