Sophomore Jasper Williams has decided to transfer out of the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga basketball program at the end of the semester.
The guard has been limited to playing sparingly the last two seasons. He has spent more time in coach John Shulman's doghouse than any other player on the roster.
Williams played in 31 games last season, including two starts. But he averaged only 2.3 points per game and shot 32.9 percent from the floor.
He likely would have remained in a similar role next season behind Keegan Bell at point guard and behind shooting guards Ricky Taylor, Josh Odem and Omar Wattad in that rotation.
"He's going to be transferring," Shulman said Thursday. "He wants to get closer to home. He's handled it the right way."
Williams attended Progressive Christian Academy outside Washington, D.C., before arriving at UTC. He first drew the attention of Shulman while the coach was recruiting Dante Harvey from the PCA team.
"I've talked to some coaches closer to his home for him," Shulman said. "He's not leaving bitter. He's just leaving."
The highlight of Williams' past season was sinking a key 3-pointer with 58 seconds to play in the Mocs' 85-80 win over Appalachian State. The shot allowed Williams to get in Shulman's good graces for a few days.
Williams' departure leaves UTC with 13 scholarship players and no scholarships available for the fall signing period, assuming no others transfer out and the scholarship UTC lost due to the academic performance rate will be reinstated.
"In this world of college basketball right now, you're going to have attrition," Shulman said. "I think it was a combination of him wanting to get closer to home and to get playing time.
"But playing time is determined by the coach and not the players."