Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

Duke

Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

Elliot Williams drives to the basket for Duke against Wake Forest in Durham.

Jun 24, 2009

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Rising sophomore Elliot Williams has decided to leave Duke for family medical reasons, school officials announced Wednesday. 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 because his mother is ill.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to Elliot and his family,” head coach Mike Krzyzewski said in a statement. “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.”

The loss of Williams leaves Krzyzewski's team with just two guards - Jon Scheyer and Nolan Smith - neither of which is a true point guard. After that, Duke will have no returning rotational player shorter than Lance Thomas at 6 feet 8.

Before the Williams announcement Duke was expecting rising junior Kyle Singler to play exclusively on the wing. The departure of Williams will likely open up time for incoming freshman forward Ryan Kelly of Raleigh to also play more on the wing.

In addition it's likely that Duke will look to add six players in the class of 2010.

Most Recent Comments

RE: Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

some one please tell me where it says his mother is dying. i`ve searched and searched and all i can find in any article is "unspecified" family medical reasons..if his mom is dying then it doesnt matter what school he transfers from or to, my prayers go with him and his family i would want to be as close to home as possible too, i live 45 mins from my parents home and when my dad was in his final stages of cancer acouple years ago, i got a call from one of my sisters saying i need to get there fast,. i was 5 mins to late, and ill never forget that.
think if you were in that situation, and some of you may very well be someday, i dont care what school you pull for, you pray for this kid and his family....

RE: Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

Seriously, folks. His mother is dying. Please display some class and dignity.
- Posted by Original Boomerang Devil

You're asking this from Carolina fans. They always talk about class, but then fail to display any of their own.

RE: Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

Wow - this seriously leaves Duke in a hole this season. I do feel for the guy. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same thing. Probably a very difficult decision for him to make, and who knows - perhaps basketball is something that gives him a relief from his mother's illness. Maybe its her deisre to be able to seem him play as she battles.

I'm a State fan, and while this opens things up for all of the ACC, with Coach K, I'll never count them out.

Tough situation.

RE: Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

Another bad day for the Dookies!!!

RE: Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

I wish Elliot the very best of luck and my prayers are with him and his family.

"Looks like another sweep over Duke for the Heels this season." ...uncch's ongoing #1 priority. Flattering actually, thanks.
- Posted by BlueDevilFan

Keep telling yourself that. Sweeping Duke and winning National Championships are our priority.

WRAL Sports Fan

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