Louisville basketball announces forward Lance Thomas will transfer

Lance Thomas will transfer from the Louisville basketball team after one season, the program announced Tuesday.

“I want to thank everyone in Louisville,” Thomas said in a statement. “Everyone at the university, the city and the community has been very good to me. After returning home at the end of the semester I was just thinking about my future. I feel it's in my best interest to look at other options for my career.”

Thomas played in just 12 games in his freshman season, averaging 4.2 minutes and recording 2.2 points and 1.3 rebounds per game. He scored a season-high 10 points against Bryant on Dec. 11.

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Thomas was a four-star recruit according to 247sports.com's composite rankings, the No. 120 player in the 2017 recruiting class. He chose Louisville over Florida, Miami, Southern California and others.

Thomas' departure leaves Louisville with eight scholarship players returning next season, seven from last year plus graduate transfer Christen Cunningham.

“Lance and his family felt that a change was best for him,” Louisville coach Chris Mack said. “We have provided him his unconditional release to transfer and we wish him the best. Our team returns to campus next week for summer semester classes, and I know they are all committed to working hard, getting better and preparing for the season."

Jake Lourim: 502-582-4168; jlourim@courierjournal.com; Twitter: @jakelourim. Support strong local journalism by subscribing today: www.courier-journal.com/jakel.