Memphis leading scorer Austin Nichols transfers to Virginia; must sit out 2015

Since power forward Austin Nichols received an unconditional release to transfer from the University of Memphis, Virginia fans have been anxiously awaiting what CBS Sports’ Gary Parrish predicted – that Nichols was headed to Charlottesville.

When Nichols is eligible to play for the Cavaliers in the 2016-2017 season, the Tigers have the chance to play Virginia that season in The Emerald Coast Classic, a preseason tournament.

Under NCAA rules, Nichols will have to sit out the 2015-16 season.

“It was my second choice coming out of high school, and the comfort level was built in”, Nichols told ESPN 92.9 FM in Memphis of his decision to transfer to Virginia.

“We are certainly fortunate and excited to add Austin to the Virginia basketball family”, Bennett said. His redshirt year will be an opportunity for him to improve and be more ready to step in the following season and help our team.

Bennett says Nichols is a “great fit for our program and system”. He shot 49.7 percent from the floor and averaged 6.1 rebounds. Memphis apparently did not like Nichols’ timing, since they would have limited options for replacing their standout forward. He totaled 35 double-figure scoring games and 34 multi-block games. The Cavaliers also have a built-in advantage due to the connection between Nichols’ ex-AAU coach Ernie Kuyper and the family of John Paul Jones, the man after whom Virginia’s arena is named.