Purdue backup forward Jacquil Taylor plans to transfer

Purdue forward Jacquil Taylor plans to transfer after he earns his degree in May.

Coach Matt Painter made the announcement Wednesday.

The 6-foot-10 junior will be eligible to play next season and could be granted a second year of eligibility.

Taylor fought injuries throughout his career with the Boilermakers and backed up big men such as Isaac Haas, Matt Haarms and Caleb Swanigan.

But when Haas went down with a fractured right elbow during last month’s NCAA Tournament, Taylor’s playing time increased. He played in 19 games last season, averaging 1.8 points and 1.4 rebounds and blocking seven shots.

In 38 career games at Purdue, he scored 72 points, had 58 rebounds and 15 blocks.

Taylor is from Cambridge, Massachusetts.