After saying it was possible over a year ago, George Tandy proved his word was good after announcing his intent to transfer Friday.

After the Panthers let former head coach Rick Samuels go on March 3, 2005, the 6-foot-8 forward made the statement that he was considering leaving Eastern.

“I would have to sit down with the new coach, and if I don’t like what he’s saying, I would think about leaving,” Tandy said on March 4, 2005.

Eastern head coach Mike Miller declined to comment Sunday on the specifics, only commenting that the program needs to move forward while wishing Tandy the best of luck in the future.

After a 6-21 season, the 2004-2005 Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year has decided not return to the Panthers program.

“I think George was frustrated with the losing just like everybody else,” Eastern graduating guard Josh Gomes said. “With the new staff and everything, it took a wear and tear.”

Gomes, a fellow Indianapolis native, wasn’t sure that Tandy wanting to be closer to home was the biggest reason for his decision.

“It’s two hours away,” Gomes said. “I don’t see that as a big deal as much.”

Coincidentally, Tandy rooms in Douglas Hall with Bil Duany, who has declared he will be playing basketball somewhere else next season as well.

The coaching staff and teammates were surprised with the announcement, as Tandy had been highly participatory in the off-season workouts this spring.

While Tandy’s next school has not been announced yet, NCAA rules state he will be forced to sit out next season if he transfers to another Division I institution. However, if he decides to play at the D-II or D-III level, he could play immediately.

For the Panthers, this move means they will have three returning starters in guard Mike Robinson and forwards Bobby Catchings and Jake Bryne.

Robinson, the 2005-2006 OVC Freshman of the Year, was rumored to be leaving Eastern as well, specifically transferring to Purdue in order to reunite with high school teammate Nate Minnoy. But Miller said those reports were false.

“There’s nothing to that at all,” Miller said. “Mike will be back – that’s for sure.”

The list of players leaving the Panthers program either by transfer or injury include Tandy, Duany, guard Kyree Brown, center Wes Wilkin and center Tom Burke.