Memphis grants forward Austin Nichols conditional release

Memphis has released junior forward Austin Nichols, Tigers coach Josh Pastner announced.

Nichols averaged 13.3 points and 6.1 rebounds per game last season and was considered one of the leading candidates for American Athletic Conference Player of the Year in 2015-16.

Memphis put conditions on the release, sources said, saying he couldn't accept a transfer scholarship to any American Athletic Conference school, any nonconference opponent on the 2015-16 schedule and any scheduled 2016-17 nonconference opponent. Memphis rival Tennessee is also on the list of schools to which he can't transfer.