Christian Williams is transferring from Iowa, head coach Fran McCaffery announced Thursday.

The point guard has requested and been granted a release from his scholarship, but he will finish the semester at Iowa academically before taking his talents elsewhere.

Williams said in a release that he will finish his athletic career somewhere closer to his hometown of Decatur, Illinois.

“After careful consideration and discussions with my family, I have asked for my release from the University of Iowa,” he said in a release. “I would like to finish my athletic and academic goals closer to home. I would like to thank coach McCaffery and my teammates for their understanding and support with this decision.”

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In 34 games last season, Williams averaged 2.4 points, 1.6 rebounds, and 1.6 assists per game. A solid defensive player, he also added 0.8 steals.

Williams began the season as the starting point guard, but eventually lost the spot to Jordan Bohannon, who would end up finding a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team.

“Christian informed me today of his decision,” McCaffery said in a release. “Christian is a terrific young man with tremendous character. We are disappointed that Christian will no longer be a Hawkeye, but the players and coaches wish him the best in his future endeavors.”

-Pete Ruden