Fuller transferring from Iowa

Sophomore forward Aaron Fuller has decided to transfer from the Iowa men's basketball team. Fuller, who hails from Mesa, Az., led the team in scoring (12.3 ppg) and rebounding (7.6 rpg) during Big Ten Conference play last season.

New basketball coach Fran McCaffery flew to Arizona this week to talk to Fuller's parents, but Fuller apparently decided his future rested elsewhere.

Fuller, who was slowed by an ankle injury early in the season, ranked first in Big Ten offensive rebounding (3.4) and fifth in rebounding (7.6). He finished the season strongly, averaging 13.6 points and 8.2 rebounds in Iowa's final 16 games.

“Aaron Fuller has asked and been granted a release from his scholarship,” McCaffery said in a statement released by the school on Friday.  “Aaron expressed his desire to move closer to home and his family.  We support Aaron on his decision and wish him nothing but success in his future endeavors.  Aaron accomplished some great things while wearing a Hawkeye uniform and the Iowa basketball program appreciates his hard work and effort.”

Also, Iowa has granted incoming basketball recruit Cody Larson a release from his letter of intent, but he still may be in the program's future. Larson, a 6-foot-8 forward out of Sioux Falls, S.D., had some off-the-court problems and was suspended near the end of his senior season at Roosevelt High School.

“Cody Larson ...  still has great interest in the University of Iowa," McCaffery said. " Cody would like additional time to familiarize himself with myself and the new coaching staff.  As a staff, we look forward to getting to know Cody more in the recruiting process.”

 McCaffery now has three incoming freshmen and two scholarships to fill.