Memphis leading scorer Austin Nichols granted conditional release
After initially declining his transfer request, Memphis has granted leading scorer Austin Nichols a conditional release, head coach Josh Pastner confirmed to ESPN's Jeff Goodman.
According to Jon Rothstein of CBSSports.com, the conditions of the release include not signing with any programs on Memphis's schedule in 2015-16 and 2016-17, as well as any schools in the AAC and Tennessee. Three other teams will be added to that list, according to Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com.
Memphis had initially rejected Nichols' request to transfer, but the 6-foot-9 forward met with athletic director Tom Bowen on Thursday and the school decided to grant Nichols a conditional release.
"I spoke with Austin Nichols this morning and informed him the University of Memphis will grant to him a conditional release from his National Letter of Intent," Bowen said in a statement. "While we are disappointed in this outcome and the timing of this situation, we respect his wishes to pursue other opportunities. We appreciate Austin’s contributions to the Tigers and wish him well in his future endeavors."
Nichols averaged 13.4 points, 6.5 rebounds, and 3.4 blocks this past season. He figures to garner attention from some of the top programs in the country.
A five-star member of the 2013 recruiting class, Nichols was ranked as the No. 15 overall prospect in the class by ESPN.
Per NCAA transfer rules, he will be required to redshirt the 2015-16 season, but will return in 2016-17 with two years of eligibility remaining.