Missouri's Willie Jackson to transfer due to family issue

Willie Jackson will transfer from Missouri to be closer to home amid a "family medical situation," the school said in a statement Thursday.

"Willie Jackson has made the Mizzou Men's Basketball program aware of his intentions to continue his academic and athletic pursuits closer to home," the statement read. "We understand Willie has a desire to be closer to his family due to a family medical situation, so his decision has our support."

Jackson, a freshman from Cleveland, released a statement of his own addressing his decision:

"I really appreciate the opportunity that Mizzou gave me, and I enjoyed my time in Columbia, but my family needs me closer to home, at this point ..." he said. "I am thankful for everything that Mizzou's coaching staff has done for me, and I will always be cheering for my teammates in the future."

In 11 games for the Tigers, Jackson averaged 5.9 points and 4.6 rebounds in 16.9 minutes.