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Miami forward James Kelly intends to transfer

Jim Larranaga

Miami head coach Jim Larranaga gestures during the second half of an East Regional semifinal in the NCAA college basketball tournament against Marquette, Thursday, March 28, 2013, in Washington. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

AP

Miami lost a key frontcourt contributor on Friday as forward James Kelly intends to transfer, the school announced in a release.

The 6-foot-7 junior forward averaged six points and 3.7 rebounds in 27 games for the Hurricanes this season, his only season in Miami, after transferring from Owens Community College. Kelly saw his playing time dwindle as ACC play went along and the forward was also suspended for three games late in the season.

“I have made the difficult decision to transfer from the University of Miami,” said Kelly. “I believe it is in the best interest of my family that I continue my education and basketball career closer to them. I would like to thank Coach L for the opportunity he gave me and all of his support during this year.”

Losing Kelly will hurt Miami’s frontcourt depth next season as they’ll rely heavily on sophomore center Tonye Jekiri, junior college big man Ivan Cruz Uceda, and incoming freshman forward Omar Sherman.

Miami could also look to add a graduate transfer that can immediately contribute in the frontcourt.

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