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Wiltjer leaving Kentucky

Kyle Wiltjer, who would have been a junior at Kentucky this coming season, plans to leave the Wildcats program.

The 6-foot-10 Wiltjer averaged 10.2 points and 4.2 rebounds last season while shooting shooting 36.7 percent from three-point range

He's the third player to leave the program since the end of the season. Kentucky finished 21-12, including a first-round NIT loss to Robert Morris.

In a statement on the Kentucky athletics website, Wiltjer said, "Heading into college my dream was to win a National Championship and compete with and play against the best players in the country," Wiltjer said in the letter. "Without a doubt, I accomplished both of these goals in my two years at Kentucky. Now as I head into my junior year, I recognize that my new and adjusted goals require me to make some very difficult upcoming decisions. Coach Cal has been everything I expected him to be, as I have felt very comfortable talking with him about my situation. I cannot stress enough how supportive Coach has been during this period. He is more than a coach to me, and for that I am forever grateful."

"During this next year, I will be working on my body so that I am able to compete the way I know I can. I want to find a situation that will help me do this as well as play a more significant role, wherever that may be. Even though I might physically leave Lexington, I will never forget the support and kindness that everyone has shown my family and [me.] It is difficult to put into words how hard it is to possibly leave BBN, yet I am confident that whatever I choose, I will give it my all. Regardless, I will always bleed blue and will never forget these amazing last two years at Kentucky."

Coach John Calipari issued a statement, which ended by saying, "I would love for him to go through this process and return to us, but I will support him and help him in any way I can."