Duke guard Elliot Williams is leaving after one season because of family medical reasons.
He is expected to file an appeal for a waiver of the NCAA’s year in residence transfer rule that would require him to sit out the 2009-10 season. Williams is seeking to transfer closer to his hometown of Memphis, Tenn., to be near his family.
He initially chose Duke over Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Memphis.
“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elliot and his family,” Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski said. “We fully support him in his efforts to be closer to them during this trying time. He is a good young man with an opportunity to become an outstanding player. We wish him well as he determines his future. He will always be a part of our program and we will always be in his corner.”
Williams started 11 of Duke’s final 12 games and averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 34 games last season.
Williams is a shooting guard, but Memphis is in need of a point guard next year with only Wesley Witherspoon and Willie Kemp returning. The Tigers are also involved with Lance Stephenson, but there has been no movement on that front.
In 2010, Memphis gets Will Barton and is targeting Joe Jackson at the point.
(The AP contributed)