CINCINNATI (AP) — Sophomore forward Jermaine Lawrence is transferring from Cincinnati to be closer to his family.

Lawrence said in a statement on Tuesday that his father is ill and he wants to go to a school closer to home. Lawrence grew up in Springfield Gardens, New York and attended Pope John XXIII High School in New Jersey.

He played in 26 games as a freshman last season, averaging 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 15 minutes. He had a season-high nine points against Kennesaw State on Nov. 29. Lawrence missed eight games from Jan. 7 to Feb. 2 because of an injured toe.

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