Austin Nichols transfers to Virginia

Former Memphis forward Austin Nichols has joined Virginia.

The news was first reported by ESPN's Jeff Goodman, and confirmed by the school Monday.

"We are certainly fortunate and excited to add Austin to the Virginia basketball family," head coach Tony Bennett said in a statement released by the school. "The experience he brings will be invaluable. His redshirt year will be an opportunity for him to improve and be more ready to step in the following season and help our team. Austin is a great fit for our program and system."

The move to Charlottesville comes as little surprise after it was reported the Cavaliers were favored to land Nichols' services when it became clear he was leaving Memphis. The Tigers had previously only granted him a conditional release, in an attempt to block him from joining anyone who they play against next season.

However, the school removed all conditions earlier this month. It was an unusual stipulation in the first place, as Nichols can't play next season because of NCAA transfer rules. He won't be eligible to suit up for Virginia until the 2016-17 season and will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Nichols was Memphis' leading scorer last season at 13.3 points per game. The 6-foot-9 junior is native of Memphis suburb of Collierville.