Ex-Walton Star Leaves Kentucky

For the second time in his college basketball career, Ryan Harrow is on the move.

The former standout at Walton High School has received his release from the University of Kentucky, and will be transferring to Georgia State University, according to multiple news reports.

Harrow, who sat out last season for the Wildcats after transferring from North Carolina State University, told the AJC in an interview published this morning that he wants to return home to be closer to his father, who suffered a stroke in the fall.

Harrow will apply for a waiver for immediate eligibility for his two final seasons for family reasons, according to CBSSports.com.

In his only season playing for the Wildcats, Harrow struggled, as Kentucky, the defending NCAA champion, lost to Robert Morris in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.

He averaged nearly 10 points a game and started 24 games but missed time early to return home for family reasons. Harrow left N.C. State after one season following a coaching change.

But as the Louisville Courier-Journal points out, Kentucky has signed high school All-American Andrew Harrison, who figures to be next season's starting point guard.

Wrote John Clay of the Lexington Herald-Leader:

Harrow’s personality and style of play seemed an odd fit for UK coach John Calipari, who had a string of star point guards — Derrick Rose, Tyreke Evans, John Wall, Brandon Knight and Marquis Teague — leading up to Harrow.

Calipari issued the following statement Sunday:

"Given the health of his dad, we fully support Ryan's decision to transfer to Georgia State to be closer to his family in Atlanta. Ryan was a vital part of this year's team and an important player in practice during our 2011-12 national championship run.

"I want to thank Ryan for his efforts and hard work and wish him the best of luck at Georgia State. I know the Big Blue Nation will keep a close eye on him and wish him well as he continues his basketball career and his pursuit of a college degree."