On Tuesday, it was announced that Tafara Gapare has “elected to depart” the Villanova men’s basketball program and not return, per a school release.
The 6-foot-9 forward missed the last three consecutive games due to what was labeled as “personal reasons.” Gapare last made an appearance on the court against Wisconsin in a 76-66 road win on Friday, Dec. 19.
On Wednesday, Jan. 10, in the hours leading up to Villanova’s game against Creighton, Gapare issued a statement on the situation on his Instagram and X accounts.
“I never imagined that being honest about an injury and my mental health, and speaking with people I trusted, would lead to a narrative that I quit or left the team,” the statement from Gapare read. “That is not true. I communicated openly with medical professionals, staff, and coaches. I was told it was okay to take a short period to focus on my mental well-being. During that time, I remained in near-constant communication with coaching staff, who knew I remained committed to this program. At no point did I claim that I was leaving or walking away from the team. Asking for help should never be mistaken for quitting.”
The program will not be issuing any response to Gapare’s statement, The Villanovan was informed on Wednesday.
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During his three-game absence, Gapare was not seen on the team’s bench at home or on the road.
Gapare transferred from Maryland to Villanova this offseason, following his head coach, Kevin Willard. His Villanova stint ends with Gapare appearing in nine games. Gapare averaged 2.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 16.4 minutes per game off the bench.
With the departure of Gapare, Villanova and Willard are now without his size and two rotation players. Recently, freshman guard Chris Jeffrey underwent knee surgery to repair a lingering injury he suffered before he arrived at Villanova.
