Jermaine Lawrence To Transfer From UC

Dec 17, 2013; New York, NY, USA; Cincinnati Bearcats forward Jermaine Lawrence (11) controls the ball against Pittsburgh Panthers forward Talib Zanna (42) during the second half of the first game of the Jimmy V Classic at Madison Square Garden. Cincinnati defeated Pittsburgh 44-43. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bearcats forward Jermaine Lawrence has decided to transfer from the University of Cincinnati. News broke Friday morning as ScoutHoops.com’s Evan Daniels reported that Lawrence has asked for his release from the university.

Lawrence was a 5 or 4 star recruit coming out of high school depending on which site you look at. Lawrence was expected to be a star for the Bearcats, a freshman that could pair with senior Sean Kilpatrick and Justin Jackson to take the Bearcats deep into the tournament. That never happened.

Cincinnati could never find Lawrence’s right fit with the Bearcats. He averaged 15 minutes a game, averaging only 2.8 points and 2.9 rebounds a game. Lawrence struggled to find his identity within the team, looking out of place and lost at times.

Coming out of high school Lawrence chose Cincinnati over UNLV and St. John’s. As a New York City native Lawrence was expected to attend St. John’s instead Cincinnati head coach Mick Cronin made a recruiting coup and landed Lawrence, a much hyped about recruiting win amongst the Cincinnati faithful.

As the 2013-2014 season progressed for the Bearcats Lawrence struggled even more with the team. A struggle so immense he scored only 9 points over the last 11 games. He was a non factor in the AAC Tournament and the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Lawrence also had an injury that sidelined him early in the season. A toe injury kept Lawrence out of a handful of games, an injury that concerned coaches and fans alike.

With Lawrence leaving it could open up the chances for a last second signing. That is yet to be seen.