Jeff Greer

Louisville Courier Journal

Former Manual High star guard Dwayne Sutton is heading home.

The 6-foot-5 freshman, who transferred from UNC Asheville, committed to Louisville on Friday evening, accepting a spot on the roster as a preferred walk-on. He will have to sit out the 2016-17 season, but he still has three years of college eligibility remaining.

"I feel like Louisville is the place for me to be," Sutton said. "I was told that there's no difference between a scholarship player and a preferred walk-on. ... (U of L coach Rick Pitino) watched my film and really wanted me. I'm just going to do what I do and work hard every day."

A former first-team all-state selection, Sutton averaged 12 points and 7.7 rebounds in his first year at UNC Asheville, helping the Bulldogs reach the NCAA Tournament after winning the Big South conference tournament. Sutton, who had 25 points and 18 rebounds in the league tournament title game, was named the Big South tournament MVP.

He decided to transfer on Sunday, and had multiple schools reach out to him, including Western Kentucky, Murray State, Ball State, Wichita State, Northeastern, UNC Wilmington and Eastern Kentucky.

But when U of L asked for his transfer release, which essentially means Asheville granted Louisville's coaches permission to speak with Sutton, the Louisville native was excited, saying the Cards were probably his top choice. He also has said in multiple interviews that he will compete like a scholarship player, referencing other walk-ons at U of L who have earned scholarships, namely Tim Henderson in 2014 and David Levitch this past season.

Sutton will enroll for summer classes on May 31 and begin working out with his new teammates. His mom works at U of L, and Sutton said his parents were excited about his decision to return home.

"My parents play a huge role in my life," Sutton said. "I feel like it was the right choice for me, both academically and athletically."

Prep guard, Louisville working on a visit