Published: June 27, 2009 04:01 pm      

Ex-Duke guard considers UK

MEMPHIS — Kentucky is among four schools former Duke basketball player Elliot Williams has identified as possible transfer destinations.

Williams, a 6-foot-4 sophomore-to-be, was granted his release Wednesday from Duke.

The 2008 McDonald's All-American guard says he's also considering Memphis, Tennessee and Vanderbilt.

Kentucky was left with one scholarship opening for 2009-10 when Jodie Meeks opted for the NBA.

Williams told The Commercial Appeal of Memphis on Thursday that, because of his mother's illness, he is seeking a waiver of the NCAA rule forcing student-athletes to sit out a year after transferring. Williams is trying to move closer to his home in Memphis.

"That's what we're trying to do. I'm trying to play next year, and I hope that (the NCAA) understands that I'm trying to come closer to home to be with my family," Williams said. "I'm looking at Memphis. I'm looking at Vanderbilt. And my parents have contacted the coaches at Tennessee and Kentucky."

Williams, who was rated the No. 16 player in the class of 2008 by Rivals.com, started 11 of Duke's final 12 games last season. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds in 16.6 minutes per game for the season.

"It's rough because I'm real close to my mom ... and it's real tough leaving one of my dreams. My dream was to play at Duke and be a part of Coach (Mike) Krzyzewski's family," he said. "But at the same time, it's my mom, and I had to make a tough decision, leaving Duke to come closer to my family."