Austin Nichols to Virginia: Latest Transfer Details, Comments and Reaction

Former Memphis forward Austin Nichols is headed to Virginia. 

Evan Daniels of Scout.com and Jeff Goodman of ESPN first reported the touted transfer had officially decided to become a Cavalier, spurning offers from a number of the nation's most high-profile programs. Virginia had been considered the clubhouse leader since Nichols announced his transfer, a move that became feasible once Memphis lifted restrictions under the threat of a lawsuit.

Nichols also released a statement confirming his decision to join the Cavaliers, via 92.9 FM ESPN:

"

After visiting Virginia this weekend, I’ve decided to commit. It was my second choice coming out of high school and the comfort level was built in. I look forward to helping them build on their success. I’d also like to thank the University of Memphis, my teammates, coaches, and the fans for the last two years I’ve been here. 

I take leaving Memphis very seriously and I wish I could have decided sooner because I realize the timing was not ideal. I have thought long and hard and labored over this decision but in my heart I felt it was best to move on. I appreciate the support from everyone during my time here and I wish the team nothing but the best.

"

Memphis had initially tried barring Nichols from going to another American Athletic Conference school, future opponents or Tennessee, Virginia, Providence or Iowa. Nichols' attorney, Don Jackson, threatened a lawsuit, telling Gary Parrish of CBS Sports: "The restrictions are nothing more than a calculated effort to punish Austin's family for his desire to transfer to a new program."

Once the restrictions were lifted, Nichols was free to pick any school of his choosing. 

A former 5-star recruit, Nichols averaged 13.3 points, 6.1 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game last season. His athleticism will give Virginia yet another defensive dimension to add to its already dominant scheme. The Cavaliers have finished sixth or better in defensive efficiency three of the last four seasons, per Ken Pomeroy. 

Jon Rothstein of CBS Sports noted Nichols will boost an already strong group of players coming in 2016:

Under NCAA rules, Nichols will have to sit out the 2015-16 season. He will use the season as his redshirt year and have two years of eligibility remaining. With Anthony Gill's eligibility due to expire after 2015-16, Virginia will now have a perfect replacement ready to step in.

Follow Tyler Conway (@tylerconway22) on Twitter.