UALR guard Taggart Lockhart to transfer

Since signing day we've known UALR would have to reduce its scholarship roster by two players before the fall semester begins. We now can confirm that one of the two players departing will be junior-to-be Taggart Lockhart.


It is believed Lockhart is headed back to his home state of Oklahoma where he will play for a NCAA Division II school Southeastern Oklahoma State.


These were his tweets from Monday as the spring semester wrapped up:

Lockhart averaged 5.1 points and 2.7 rebounds while playing 20.7 minutes per game last season. But concussions cut that season short. He received a concussion in a Feb. 2 game against South Alabama. He returned to action 12 days later against Arkansas State and received another concussion. Lockhart then never received medical clearance to return to practice or game action.

Losing Lockhart's toughness hurt UALR, which went 3-6 down the stretch. The Trojans were 14-9 before Lockhart's injury.

UALR can't say much about Lockhart's medical situation due to HIPAA concerns. But Lockhart's Twitter feed gives a little insight as to what he's been going through:

The bad news is that we won't get to see Lockhart during his junior and senior years. His toughness, and ability to play defense and take a charge will absolutely be missed. The good news is that UALR has options at the 3 guard position where he was most utilized.

Senior Leroy Isler spent a lot of time at both the 2 and 3 last season. Sophomore Stetson Billings filled in at the 3 throughout the year. Freshman Mareik Isom can play either the 2 or the 3. And freshman Maurius Hill is more like a 4 in a 3 body. He could allow senior Will Neighbour to see some more time at the 3.