After one season at Xavier, former City standout Jordan Latham has decided to transfer to Loyola University Maryland.

The 6-8, 245-pound Latham said he reached his decision Monday night after speaking with his parents and verbally committed to Loyola coach Jimmy Patsos. He said he also considered Towson, Delaware and Morgan State.

"I really wanted to come home to play basketball," said Latham, who played sparingly in only 16 games at Xavier. He talked about the Greyhounds becoming a "powerhouse of Baltimore players."

Latham will sit out the 2011-12 season.

"We're extremely happy to have him," Patsos said. "He'll sit out one year, focus on school and have three great years with us. ... He's a high-character guy."

Latham averaged 17 points and nine rebounds as a senior at City, winning the school's second straight state title.