DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Duke says freshman guard Derryck Thornton is transferring.

Thornton said in a statement issued Sunday by the school that he wants to play closer to his California home.

School officials say Thornton is leaving in good academic standing.

Coach Mike Krzyzewski says he and the coaching staff support the decision “and want only what is best for him in the future.”

Thornton averaged 7.1 points and 2.6 assists in 36 games of his freshman season for the Blue Devils. The Chatsworth, California, native reclassified before last season to enroll at Duke a year ahead of schedule.