Cincinnati’s Jermaine Lawrence has asked for and will be granted his release due to family reasons.
“I’m leaving UC because my father is ill,” Lawrence said in a school-released statement. “I want to be closer to him as well as be close enough where I can have him and my mom attend my games. We appreciate everyone’s support.”
The 6-foot-9 former Pope John XXIII standout is looking to come closer to home, and a source confirmed that Lawrence has been released to Iona, Manhattan, Rutgers, St John’s, Seton Hall, Hofstra and Fordham.
Lawrence is due to visit Hofstra Wednesday, the New York Post reported.
Lawrence initially picked Cincinnati over St. John’s and UNLV.
In his lone season under head coach Mick Cronin, Lawrence averaged 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds in 26 contests for the 27-7 Bearcats.
“We have been praying for Jermaine’s father and understand the situation,” Cronin said. “We wish Jermaine the best.”
Lawrence began his high school career at Queens-based PSAL power Cardozo before leaving in the middle of junior year for Pope John XXIII. An injury-shortened senior season saw him average 13.3 points and 7.5 rebounds in just 11 games.
Follow Adam Zagoria on Twitter
