Benas Griciunas to transfer from Auburn

AUBURN -- The first departure since Bruce Pearl took over as coach of the Tigers has happened.

Seven-foot center Benas Griciunas has been granted a "full, unconditional release" to transfer from Auburn, a school spokesman confirmed

CBS Sports' Jeff Borzello was the first to report Griciunas, who averaged just two points and 1.8 rebounds while appearing in only 12 games, with one start, as a true freshman for Auburn last season, was leaving the program.

Pearl could not be immediately reached for comment.

During the SEC Spring Meetings two weeks ago, Pearl said he did not "anticipate" any attrition but "it's a possibility."

A member of the Lithuanian National Team, Griciunas was a three-star prospect coming out of Findlay Prep. He'll have three years of eligibility remaining.

Griciunas is the first player to transfer from the program since Pearl was hired to replace Tony Barbee.

With several new commitments to Auburn, including Niagara transfer and the leading returning scorer in the country, Antoine Mason, who committed on Wednesday, the Tigers have to clear space in order to meet the scholarship limit before the fall.