North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell says star freshman Diamond DeShields plans to transfer.
In a statement Thursday, Hatchell says she doesn't know "or understand" why DeShields is leaving. Hatchell didn't coach this year while focusing on treatment for leukemia, which is in remission.
She says it "breaks my heart that I will not have the opportunity to coach Diamond."
Hatchell didn't immediately return a call for comment, while DeShields didn't immediately respond to an email.
DeShields averaged 18 points for the team, which finished with 27 wins and an appearance in the NCAA regional final. She had a school freshman-record 38 points in a win at North Carolina State in February.
The Herald-Sun of Durham first reported DeShields' plan to transfer.
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