Former Duke guard Elliott Williams has received a waiver from the NCAA to play at Memphis this season after transferring to the school to be closer to his family.

The 6-foot-4 Memphis native averaged 4.2 points last season for the Blue Devils, but moved into the starting lineup for 11 of the final 12 games and should be a key player for first-year coach Josh Pastner immediately.

"We're very appreciative of the ruling by the NCAA," Pastner told FOXSports.com on Friday afternoon. "We understand it's a little bittersweet, but we also know Elliott is very excited."

Williams asked for his release from Duke in order to be closer to his mother, who is battling cancer.

VARGAS IN LEXINGTON

Sources indicate that former Florida forward Eloy Vargas has received his release and is on campus at Kentucky.

The 6-foot-10 native of the Dominican Republic battled an injury last season and barely played.

Sources indicated that Donovan was not happy with Vargas' work ethic and also that Vargas' academics are suspect.