Garrett Sams transferring to UT Martin

Wanting to be close to home was high on the priority list for Garrett Sams when he graduated from Westview last year.

After a year at North Florida, Sams still felt that being close to home was important.

So, after spending Spring Break at home last week, Sams has decided to transfer back and attend UT Martin.

"Being close to home was a big thing for me, but when I didn't have offers close, I ended up going to North Florida," Sams said. "After this past season, being close to home still meant something to me, so I decided to explore that."

Sams averaged 10.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game this past season after starting 24 of the 33 games that the Ospreys played.

But Sams said that coming to UT Martin had nothing to do with North Florida.

"The coaches have all been great to me through the whole process," Sams said.

So when he was in Martin over Spring Break, Sams made his final decision to make the move home.

"I know Coach [Anthony] Stewart through his son Parker because me and Parker are friends," Sams said. "So, when I got my release, I liked what he had to say, his vision and what he is trying to do at UT Martin. That is what I wanted to be apart of."

Sams will remember his time at North Florida positively, like getting his first start on his birthday when the Ospreys played Syracuse, his season-high 23 points against Thomas University, his season-high 12 rebounds against USC Upstate and his season-high five 3-pointers against Stetson.

"It was a hard decision because there was so much good at North Florida," Sams said. "It is not like they did anything to make me want to leave, but I had to do what is best for me. Martin is where I want to be."

Sams was the 2016 All-West Tennessee Boys Basketball Player of the Year after leading the Chargers to the Class AA state tournament for the first time in program history. He averaged 19.9 points and 6.3 rebounds that season.

He was also named a 2016 Class AA Mr. Basketball finalist.

Reach Michael Odom at michodom@jacksonsun.com or 731-425-9754. Follow him on Twitter @JSWriterMichael.