Associated Press
MEMPHIS, Tenn. ó Ex-Duke basketball player Elliot Williams says he’s considering a transfer to Memphis, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Kentucky.
Williams, a rising sophomore guard, was granted his release Wednesday from Duke.
He told The Commercial Appeal on Thursday that, because of his mother’s illness, he is seeking a waiver of the NCAA rule forcing student-athletes to sit out a year after transferring.
“It’s been pretty difficult because, I mean, I’m coming from a great situation at Duke, which has been nothing but good to me,” Williams told The Commerical Appeal. “The Duke staff and the fans have given me and my whole family a lot of support. To be totally honest with you, if this illness wouldn’t have happened, I’d still be at Duke.
“But it is what it is. I’m real supportive of my family, and I gotta do what I gotta do.”
Williams said he’s considering the four schools because he’s familiar with them and because they are closer to his home in Memphis.
“I’m trying to play next year, and I hope that (the NCAA) understands that I’m trying to come closer to home to be with my family,” Williams said. “I’m looking at Memphis. I’m looking at Vanderbilt. And my parents have contacted the coaches at Tennessee and Kentucky.”
Williams started 11 of the Blue Devils’ final 12 games as a freshman last season.
“It’s rough because I’m real close to my mom … and it’s real tough leaving one of my dreams,” Williams said. “My dream was to play at Duke and be a part of coach (Mike) Krzyzewski’s family. The coaching staff and the fans have been great. But at the same time, it’s my mom, and I had to make a tough decision, leaving Duke to come closer to my family.”