Trevor Manuel.JPG

Freshman Trevor Manuel averaged 1.1 points, 1.0 rebound and 1.0 block in nine games at Oregon.

(AP Photo/Chris Pietsch)

EUGENE - Oregon freshman forward Trevor Manuel has asked for his release and intends to transfer, Ducks head basketball coach Dana Altman confirmed Tuesday.

News of Manuel's decision was first reported by DuckTerritory.com.

Altman said he had called Manuel earlier in the day but had not heard back as of Tuesday afternoon prior to the team's practice. The sixth-year Oregon coach said he believed the 6-foot-9 Lansing, Mich. native would transfer but also expressed desire for him to stay.

"The door's always open," Altman said. "I don't want him to leave. Obviously I think he's got a lot of upside, but everybody's got to do what they've got to do."

Manuel was rated a four-star prospect by Rivals and was part of a recruiting class that ESPN ranked 22nd in the nation. He averaged 7.1 minutes, 1.1 points, 1.0 rebound and 1.0 block game this season and did not play in five of Oregon's 14 games.

Most recently, he sat out all of the Ducks' 70-57 loss at Oregon State on Sunday.

"I was surprised but that's what he decided to do," guard and fellow freshman Kendall Small said. "He's still going to be my friend. He's a great teammate."

Oregon (11-3, 0-1 Pac-12) hosts Cal (12-3, 2-0) at Matthew Knight Arena on Wednesday at 6 p.m.

-- Danny Moran