KNOXVILLE -- Redshirt freshman forward Jabari McGhee will transfer from Tennessee's basketball program at the end of the fall semester, the program announced Tuesday night in a release.
The 6-foot-5 McGhee averaged 3.8 points and 3.2 rebounds in 10.8 minutes in six games this season, but he played just eight minutes total in Tennessee's past three games.
"Jabari and I had a great discussion about what he wants," first-year Tennessee coach Rick Barnes said in Tennessee's release. "He's a team guy, and what he ultimately wants is to have a more impactful role on his team, which I understand.
"We'll do everything we can to help him find a school that is the right fit for him."
In the season opener, McGhee had nine points and six rebounds, and he scored 10 points with four boards in the loss at Georgia Tech.
After signing with Tennessee last spring out of Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, McGhee played in eight games before undergoing season-ending foot surgery.
He averaged 4.4 points and 3.8 rebounds in 12.9 minutes last season prior to his injury, which was early enough that he was able to take a medical redshirt.
"I've truly enjoyed my time here," McGhee, a native of Albany, Ga., said in the release. "Playing in Thompson-Boling Arena was a great experience, and the fans are wonderful.
"As a player, I absolutely feel like Coach Barnes is a great coach. I love my teammates, and there's no doubt in my mind Tennessee is going to have a really good team. But this is what's best for me right now."
Tennessee (4-3) next plays at Butler on Dec. 12.
Contact Patrick Brown at pbrown@timesfreepress.com.