Forward Daniel Emerson's Western Kentucky career is over after two seasons, his father Bob Emerson said today.

Although Western has not yet confirmed Emerson's departure, Bob Emerson said his son will transfer to Mercer.

In a prepared statement, Bob Emerson said, "Daniel is sincerely going to miss Western. We (the Emerson family) will treasure his time on the Hill and the outstanding community that the Topper nation is. Because his dream has always been to play professionally, Daniel has decided to continue his basketball career at an institution that emphasizes player development in a system he is more comfortable with."

Mercer is a familiar school to the Emerson family.

Both of Emerson's older brothers played at the Macon, Ga., school before graduating. After redshirting next season, Daniel Emerson will have two years of eligibility remaining.

Emerson averaged 4.9 points and 3.7 rebounds this year after averaging 3.8 points and 2.9 rebounds last year.

The 6-foot-8, 230-pound Emerson had an up-and-down sophomore campaign. His brightest moments came early in the season: Emerson had 12 points and six rebounds in Western's season-opening win at Kennesaw State, then 14 points and six rebounds at Georgia.

Emerson started 24 of the Hilltoppers' 32 games, but lost his starting spot before the Hilltoppers' 75-74 victory at Troy on Feb. 17 and didn't start the rest of the season.

Bob Emerson said Daniel's decision to leave wasn't about playing time; his son had been considering a transfer since the midway part of the 2006-07 season.

"Nothing to do with playing time," Bob Emerson said. "Absolutely nothing to do with playing time. He just wanted to go to a place that would better utilize his strengths."

Thank you DE for your hard work and good luck to you at Mercer!