Xavier's Martin to transfer

Xavier announced late Friday afternoon Justin Martin will transfer from the Musketeer basketball program.

A fourth-year collegian with a year of eligibility remaining, he is on track to graduate this spring and would become eligible to play right away for his new school if he does so.

The 6-6, 205-pound forward was second on the team in scoring (11.7 points per game) and rebounding (5.2 rpg.) last season while starting 30 of the team's 34 games.

Per the Cincinnati Enquirer, Martin used his Twitter account (which has protected tweets) to thank the school and Musketeer fans for their support over the years.

He also sought to head off speculation about why he chose to leave.

"(Just) want people to know before rumors are started that this was all my decision with the help of prayer," he reportedly posted. "(Don't) believe what u hear!"

Martin's departure comes in an offseason that has already seen the exit of sophomore All-Big East guard Semaj Christon, who made himself eligible for the NBA draft March 28, and freshman forward Kamall Richards, who announced the same day he will transfer, and one day after reports that Xavier coach Chris Mack has been targeted by California for its vacant head coaching position.

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