Ottumwa -- The chance to play college basketball less than 90 minutes from his hometown of Rochester, N.Y. was too good to pass up, so Dontay Caruthers is going back to New York to attend the University at Buffalo and play for the Bulls.

Caruthers transferred to Indian Hills from Midland College in Texas, where he played his freshman season, with the intention of competing for playing time for the Warriors at the point guard spot. However, he suffered a stress fracture in the preseason last fall and eventually decided to redshirt. That means he will have three seasons of eligibility left at Buffalo.

He averaged 10.1 points and five assists a game during his lone season at Midland.

"It was very difficult having to sit out last season," Caruthers said, "but, when I got healthy, I was able to practice and make our team tougher and I was glad I got to do that. And we had a great season and got to the national tournament. Watching the games we lost was tough because I wish I could have been able to contribute."

The 6'2" Caruthers said he seriously considered returning to Indian Hills next season, until the Buffalo opportunity came along.

Buffalo has made back-to-back trips to the NCAA tournament the last couple of seasons and Caruthers said it's that success, along with the coaching staff, that sold him on going to the New York school. "I love everything about it, and it's close to my mom so she can come and watch me play."

Caruthers said he's nearly back to 100 percent after his injury and feels like he can contribute toughness and good all-around point guard play for the Bulls.

His signing makes eight players from last year's 29-5 region champion IHCC team that have decided on four-year schools for next year, with four more still making their college choices. Signed so far are Nuni Omot (Baylor), Jan Svandrlik (Iona), Emmitt Holt (Providence), Tre'Darius McCallum (DePaul), Jerrelle DeBerry (Kent State), Kevin Zabo (Kent State), Ria'n Holland (Mercer) and Caruthers.