Apr 14, 2014 03:45 PM EDT By Russell Westerholm, UniversityHerald Reporter

Kevin Ware is leaving Louisville for Georgia State to be closer to home.

The junior guard confirmed to ESPN over the weekend that he will transfer to Georgia State. Ware and his family visited the school and committed to the transfer during the trip.

I want to thank the entire cardinal organization from the coaches, to the staff, trainers, fans, and anyone who's been a supporter of me.

— Kevin Ware (@5Juice) April 12, 2014

Ware averaged 1.7 points in just nine games for Louisville this season and injured the same right leg he broke during the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Against Duke, Ware leaped to try and block a shot, but landed awkwardly on his right leg and broke it so severely he bent his shin at a near-90-degree angle.

The gruesome injury drove his coach and teammates to tears while they watched Ware being carried off the floor. The injury also caused Ware to become an endearing figure to the Louisville community.

He eventually made it back and entered the game on Louisville's home floor to a standing ovation. The six-foot-two guard sunk the first shot he took, a three-pointer, and sent the crowd into a frantic eruption of cheers.

Ware left Louisville mutually and will seek a medical redshirt to give him two years of athletic eligibility and a transfer waiver to allow him to play right away. Wesley Junior, Ware's stepfather, told the Associated Press the Atlanta campus is far more convenient for the family, especially for his mother.

"He's happy to be close to home and close to family," Junior said. "Now, it's now a 30-minute drive up the street instead of six hours."

If Ware has two full seasons of eligibility, he could make huge strides in his goal to play in the NBA, which would complete a truly impressive comeback. In his second season at Louisville, Ware only averaged 4.5 points per game, but he made about 40 percent of the three-pointers he took. Junior said his stepson is healthy and ready to play.

"He's ready to go today and could play right now if he could," Junior said. "We're just making sure his academics are good and making sure he's ready for the next phase."

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