WRAL Sports Fan

Duke

Elliot Williams to transfer from Duke

Jun 24, 2009

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.