Forward Rapolas Ivanauskas to transfer from Northwestern

Redshirt freshman Rapolas Ivanauskas is transferring from Northwestern, the basketball program announced in a release Tuesday afternoon.

“We wish Rapolas nothing but the best in his future endeavors,” Sullivan-Ubben head men’s basketball coach Chris Collins said. “Though he has been extremely unlucky with injuries during his two years in Evanston, we’re hopeful that he’ll still be able to go on and have a great playing career. We thank him for all he has done to represent our program.”

The former three-star recruit saw his Northwestern career derailed by season-ending shoulder injuries in back-to-back seasons. Ivanauskas saw action in three non-conference games in 2017-18, logging 11 scoreless minutes.

Ivanauskas also shared a photo on Instagram announcing his intention to transfer.

”My time here at Northwestern has been filled with nothing but blessings,” Ivanauskas said. “I am extremely grateful to the coaching staff, my teammates, and the community for making Northwestern the world-class institution that it is. Although to further pursue my aspirations for basketball, I will be transferring to another university. I am nothing but thankful to all those who have made Northwestern the place that it is, unforgettable.”

Ivanauskas’s impending transfer leaves Northwestern with seven healthy players for spring workouts following injuries to Vic Law and Jordan Ash. His departure also means only one player from Chris Collins’ 2016 recruiting class remains with the team. Given that Anthony Gaines was the only 2017 commit, the pressure is on for each of the four 2018 recruits, as well as Boston College transfer A.J. Turner, to contribute immediately.

Per the release, Ivanauskas will remain enrolled as a Northwestern student for the remainder of the 2017-18 school year.

It was obviously a tough couple of years for Ivanauskas at Northwestern, and you have to hope his health holds up as he looks to further his career elsewhere.