UNLV Transfer Demetris Morant To Visit Florida Gulf Coast

(via RunRebs)

UNLV redshirt freshman forward Demetris Morant is transferring from the Rebels program to be closer to his ill father in Florida.

"I had a great time at UNLV. It was fun while it lasted but it was hard to stay dealing with my family situation," Morant told the Eagles Nest. "I had to go. I'm going to miss it though."

In the 2013-14 season under head coach Dave Rice, Morant averaged 3.8 minutes a game in 13 appearances. Despite limited time, the 6-foot-9 forward showed true promise. He is originally from Miami, Fla. and now will be looking to return to the Sunshine State.

"The top school showing interest is Florida Gulf Coast," said Morant, who also stated interest from Florida International.

He noted that the Eagles have been after him since his high school days. The class of 2012 three star recruit powered Bishop Gorman High School (Las Vegas, Nev.) to back to back state titles. The Gaels also competed twice (2011 and 2012) in the City of Palms Classic, a prestigious high school tournament located near FGCU.

Quite a bit has changed at Florida Gulf Coast since then - most prominently the creation of 'Dunk City' after the Eagles Cinderella run to the NCAA Tournament's Sweet Sixteen.

"FGCU's [status] changed a lot knowing a school so young made it to the Sweet Sixteen," Morant said. "That made me look at them even more. Wow, if they add more talent around them like me and a couple more players, who knows what could happen."

Morant talked to the Eagles Nest about the reports of FGCU being a likely landing spot.

"If I had to [have a leader], my number one choice right now is FGCU," Morant said. "I'm taking a visit there on Friday. If I go down there and like it a lot, I pretty much might just commit then just to get the whole process over with."

Morant's visit is the second for FGCU this week. The Eagles Nest confirmed that Butler transfer Nolan Berry, a former teammate of Eagles signee Eric Moeller, is on campus from Tuesday to Thursday. FGCU only has one remaining scholarship spot for the 2014-15 season, however.

But regardless of what school Morant chooses, he will seek a hardship waiver from the NCAA in order to bypass transfer rules and be granted eligibility to play in the 2014-15 season. Whether or not that goes through, he will have three years of eligibility remaining after redshirting a year and playing a year at UNLV.

For more on FGCU, make sure to follow us on Twitter (@FGCUEaglesNest)