Williams leaving Duke for family medical reasons

Jun 24, 2009 - 2:10 PM DURHAM, N.C.(AP) -- Elliot Williams, whose move into the starting lineup provided Duke with a late-season spark, is leaving the Blue Devils after one season because of unspecified family medical reasons.

School officials said Wednesday that Williams plans to transfer closer to his hometown of Memphis, Tenn., to be near family. He is expected to ask the NCAA to waive its transfer rule that would require him to sit out this season, Duke officials said in a statement.

"We fully support him in his efforts to be closer to (his family) during this trying time," coach Mike Krzyzewski said. "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."

Williams' late-season emergence was one of the reasons the Blue Devils won the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament and reached the regional semifinals of the NCAA tournament.

The high-energy guard spent most of his freshman season as a reserve. His late-February move into the starting lineup seemed to spark the Blue Devils; he started 11 of the team's final 12 games and Duke finished 10-2 during that stretch. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.3 rebounds.

His departure leaves senior Jon Scheyer and junior Nolan Smith as the only returning guards on the roster.