Charles Carmouche Leaving Tiger Program

University of Memphis' Charles Carmouche will move on from the Tigers basketball program after he was granted a medical waiver for a fifth year of eligibility by the NCAA earlier this week, Tigers head coach Josh Pastner announced Friday. Carmouche earned his bachelor's degree in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University in early May.

"Charles and I had a great discussion, but we decided Charles will finish his final year of eligibility at another institution," said Pastner. "I am so proud of Charles for earning his degree. He has done so many wonderful things on and off the court during his time in Memphis. We wish him all the best as he moves forward to the next stage in his life."

Last season, Carmouche played in seven games and averaged 6.3 points and 2.6 boards. The 6-foot-3 guard shot 42.9 percent from the field, 46.2 percent from the three-point line and 72.7 percent from the free throw line.

"I'm so grateful to Coach Pastner, the Tiger fans and the city of Memphis for the two years I spent at University of Memphis," said Carmouche. "They accepted me as a Tiger from the start. In return, I gave Memphis the best I had both on and off the court.

"I'm proud to have my degree from Memphis, and I will never forget my time there. Coach gave me an opportunity to compete and was always fair, while pushing me to excel. It's not an easy decision to leave, but I am looking forward to the next chapter of my life personally and athletically. I have achieved a lot, but I am not satisfied. I want to reach my full potential for me and my family."

The New Orleans, La., native started the Tigers' first four games of the 2011-12 campaign, before sitting out the next four contests due to an internal matter. He saw limited minutes in the first three games after Christmas break (Robert Morris, Charlotte, Tennessee), but then did not play the remainder of the season as a result of severe tendonitis in both knees.

Carmouche transferred to Memphis from the University of New Orleans in the summer of 2010. For his career, he has played in 92 games (75 starts) and is averaging 7.9 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists.