Moats remains a Lady Vol for now, but may transfer

Former Lord Botetourt basketball star Nicci Moats might transfer from Tennessee, according to her mother, Annette Moats.

Moats, a freshman, played in nine games for the Lady Vols before Christmas. In late January, she took a medical leave from the team for the rest of the season. Her parents have said she was too weak to play because of a weak immune system.

Annette Moats said Nicci is mulling over whether to remain on the Lady Vols or transfer. She said Nicci will meet with coach Pat Summitt, whose team recently won the NCAA tournament.

Moats, who did not attend the Final Four, is still going to classes at Tennessee. She has not obtained a release from Tennessee, which she would need to talk to other schools.

Moats could wind up at James Madison.

JMU senior Shirley McCall, a Bassett graduate who recently concluded her college basketball career, said JMU coaches have told the team Moats might be joining the Dukes. McCall has also heard that from JMU forward Brentney Moore; McCall said Moore and Moats are close friends.

Annette Moats said JMU is only one option for Nicci.

"She's had a bunch of schools that have contacted Tennessee the last couple months," Annette Moats said. "There's a lot of interest from ACC schools."

She said Nicci will have to get back into basketball shape.

"Her immune system is still down, it's not the best, but she's doing better," she said.