by Jeremiah Wood
January 14, 2008

PLNU junior basketball player Benny Koochoie left the team in the middle of the Sea Lions’ game against Claremont on Jan. 2. Koochoie, unhappy about how much playing time he was receiving, then informed coaches of his decision to leave the team and de-enrolled from PLNU.

Koochoie was a backup guard averaging 6.6 points per game in his first year with the team after transferring from Modesto Junior College.

The PLNU coaching staff released the following statement:

“We were able to bring in a very good recruiting class this season where each incoming athlete came from a program where they received a lot of playing time.  Benny chose to leave Point Loma and go somewhere else, hoping that it can lead to a bigger role for him.  We wish him the best.”

Team captain Josh Sanderson added that Koochoie will be missed but that it hasn’t negatively affected team chemistry.

“We’re all disappointed about Benny’s decision to leave the team,” said Sanderson. “Our team has been able to stay positive and focused throughout the entire process.”

Koochoie has since enrolled at Cal State-Stanislaus, an NCAA Division II school near his home in Turlock, and hopes to play on its team next season. He did not return phone messages seeking comment.