AUBURN, Ala. -- Former Rutgers basketball player Jerome Seagears has changed his mind about transferring to Auburn.
Auburn coach Tony Barbee said in a statement Monday that Seagears told the coaches that he wanted to be closer to his family in Silver Springs, Md.
Barbee says Seagears "came to me and expressed that he hadn't truly recovered emotionally from his time at Rutgers."
The guard left Rutgers after coach Mike Rice was fired following revelations that he verbally and physically abused players.
Barbee says it's important to Seagears to continue his academics and athletics "where he can be near his immediate family and get the support system that he needs."
Auburn announced in May that Seagears was transferring and the school would petition for him to be eligible to play next season.
Seagears averaged 6.5 points and 2.6 assists last season.
