:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/46832386/usa-today-8392540.0.jpg)
Prized transfer target Austin Nichols has chosen Virginia as his new college basketball home.
Memphis transfer Austin Nichols (@anich44) will transfer to Virginia, he told @929espn. Eligible in 2016-17.
— John Martin (@JohnMartin929) July 26, 2015
Nichols leaves the University of Memphis, where the saga of his transfer caused no shortage of drama (or attorney's fees). In 2014, the junior averaged better than 13 points and 6 rebounds a game for the Tigers. He was the 22nd overall player in the country coming out of high school and 7th best power forward. Nichols was the American Athletic Conference freshman of the year, and a first team All-AAC selection.
Adding Nichols makes for a significant addition to what could be a ridiculous 2016-17 squad for Virginia.
#UVa will likely lose 3 starters heading into 2016-17, but that team will feature three fourth-year juniors and a senior point guard.
— Drew Goodman (@DrewGoodman89) July 26, 2015
Along with Nichols, that year's Hoos will have the services of incoming freshmen Kyle Guy and Ty Jerome, who have been tearing up the camp circuit this summer. AND—as if this could even get better—Virginia is still considered the frontrunner for Mamadi Diakite.
Go ahead and celebrate, Wahoos. Our rising basketball prospects just took another big step up.