CHAMPAIGN, Ill., Feb. 21 (UPI) -- University of Illinois center Brian Carlwell has decided to transfer from the Big Ten school.
Coach Bruce Weber confirmed Carlwell's transfer after Wednesday's practice.
The 6-foot-11-inch sophomore from Maywood, Ill., had a troubled career in his brief stay in Champaign.
He averaged 1.7 points and 1.4 rebounds in 26 games in a freshman season cut short after he and guard Jamar Smith were injured in a car accident last February.
Carlwell was hospitalized and subsequently released while Smith was suspended indefinitely due to unresolved legal issues.
"Brian has faced adversity and dealt with injuries and feels it is in his best interest to get a fresh start next season " Weber said. "We appreciate the contribution he has made to our program and wish him the best, and we will support him in any way we can regarding his future at another university."
Smith is redshirting this season while facing a driving under the influence charge which led to a university-imposed sabbatical.
