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Guard Montaque Gill-Caesar transferring from Missouri

Missouri guard Montaque Gill-Caesar, a top-50 recruit coming out of high school, is transferring after averaging 9.1 points and 3.0 rebounds as a freshman last season.

Missouri coach Kim Anderson said Wednesday the 6-foot-6, 215-pound Canadian had informed the coaching staff of his plans to transfer.

"He intends to resume his education and playing career at a different institution," Anderson said in a statement. "We will assist him in every way possible in that transition."

Gill-Caesar says he is looking to play at a school "where I am most comfortable."

"I want to thank the Mizzou Basketball program from its support, as well as thanks to all of the fans and people of Columbia who made me feel so welcome," he said.

The decision was mutual, sources told ESPN. Gill-Caesar spoke with Anderson earlier this week, and the pair recently determined that it was best for both sides that Gill-Caesar play elsewhere.

Gill-Caesar was a top-50 recruit in the Class of 2015 but decided to reclassify last summer and signed with Missouri on Aug. 2. He had played at Huntington Prep in West Virginia for current Missouri assistant Rob Fulford.

Gill-Caesar suffered a back injury on Dec. 20 and missed the first three SEC contests. He averaged 12.6 points before the injury and 6.9 points after he returned.

Missouri was 9-23 last season overall in Anderson's first season after he replaced Frank Haith.