Erickson Says She Will Transfer to Duke

Nicole Erickson, a two-time Times Orange County player of the year at Brea Olinda who went to Purdue, said Monday she will transfer to Duke.

Erickson was released from her Purdue scholarship on April 1 after the university fired coach Lin Dunn before the NCAA women’s basketball final four, supposedly for “player unhappiness” within the program, Erickson said. Erickson, who said she wasn’t polled regarding the status of the program, is among four (of seven returning) Boilermakers who left.

Erickson, a starter who shot 45% from the three-point line, said she lost respect for Purdue’s administration over the firing, which came after a loss to Notre Dame in the first round of the NCAA tournament.

“It’s not something I enjoyed having to do. It was a big hassle, getting all the academic stuff taken care of, getting everything moved,” said Erickson, who led Brea Olinda to four state girls’ basketball titles. “I was happy at Purdue, but I’m happy with my decision. I wouldn’t want to stay at Purdue now after all that’s happened.”

Erickson also considered Florida, Colorado and Pepperdine, which is coached by Mark Trakh, her coach at Brea. NCAA rules require that she sit out this season.