Mark Snyder

Detroit Free Press

Aubrey Dawkins felt it was the ideal fit when he came to Michigan, even with his father coaching at Stanford.

Two years later, he changed his mind.

Michigan announced today that the sophomore guard/forward was released from his scholarship and intends to transfer to play for his father, Johnny, the new coach at Central Florida.

"While we certainly did not wish for this to happen, it is quite understandable," U-M coach John Beilein said in a released statement. "I was able to coach my son and see him grow as a person and player and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Aubrey is a wonderful and thoughtful young man who has a bright future in front of him. We wish him well."

Dawkins' father was coaching the Cardinal when he was being recruited, but Aubrey wanted to expand his options and try something different.

While he had other opportunities, when Michigan came to him late in the 2014 spring signing period, he visited and was hooked.

There were moments he shined, especially from three-point range as a true freshman, but he was stuck behind Zak Irvin at U-M and never got enough time as a sophomore to grow his game.

"This was not an easy decision, however, the chance to play for my father is a special opportunity for me and my family," said Dawkins in the release. "Coach Beilein and Michigan took a chance on me and that is something I will never forget. I want to thank all the coaches, staff and especially the U-M fans for making my time in Ann Arbor truly special. Go Blue."

Dawkins started 22 games at U-M and was most remembered for his eight three-pointer game against Rutgers late in his freshman year. He'll have to sit a year as a transfer.

Because he has a targeted destination, the previous controversy surrounding Beilein and his transfer limitations does not apply. When Spike Albrecht and Ricky Doyle transferred earlier this spring, they were initially restricted until Beilein released them to play anywhere.

Following the three transfers, U-M has one available scholarship and has been reported to have contacted a few potential transfers. The most notable was Columbia grad transfer Grant Mullins.

Contact Mark Snyder: msnyder@freepress.com. Follow him on Twitter @mark__snyder.

Download our Wolverines Xtra app for free on Apple and Android devices!