Bobby Cremins (Jim Brown-US PRESSWIRE)

CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP, WLTX) -- Bobby Cremins says he is retiring as head basketball coach at the College of Charleston.

Cremins fought back tears, and his voice cracked when he announced Monday that it was time to move on to the next chapter of his life. He said returning to coaching at the College of Charleston was one of the most rewarding experiences of his career.

The 64-year-old Cremins announced on Jan. 27 he would miss the rest of the Cougars' season and later said he was physically exhausted. Cremins went on an indefinite medical leave of absence but said his condition was not life-threatening.

Cremins was in his sixth season with the Cougars after spending 19 years coaching Georgia Tech. He led Charleston to 20 victories in each of his seasons.

Cremins, asmany USC fans know,was a standout player for theGamecocks from 1966-70. In an odd sequence of events, Cremins actually left Georgia Tech on March 24 1993to take the USC head coaching job; however, he changed his mind a few days later and returned to the Yellow Jackets.

During hiscareer at Georgia Tech,Cremins coached future NBA stars such asMark Price, John Salley, and Stephon Marbury.

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Bobby Cremins Retires from Coaching