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Villanova forward Taylor King leaves team

Villanova forward Taylor King has left the men's basketball team for what a spokesman said were "personal reasons." A statement released by the university said King planned to remain in school to complete his degree requirements.

Taylor King averaged 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game last season. (Sarah J. Glover/Staff file photo)
Taylor King averaged 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19.0 minutes per game last season. (Sarah J. Glover/Staff file photo)Read more

Villanova forward Taylor King has left the men's basketball team for what a spokesman said were "personal reasons."

A statement released by the university said King planned to remain in school to complete his degree requirements.

Coach Jay Wright was not available for comment.

King, of Huntington Beach, Calif., played one year for the Wildcats, averaging 7.4 points and 5.3 rebounds in 19.0 minutes of playing time. He provided a combination of three-point shooting and tough inside play, finishing second on the team in three-point baskets and offensive rebounds.

He began his college career at Duke, and played one season there before transferring to Villanova in the summer of 2008. He sat out a season under NCAA rules.

King got off to a strong start at Villanova, scoring a season-high 20 points in a win over St. Joseph's on Dec. 9. But his shooting, especially from three-point range, tailed off later in the season.

King was benched for the Wildcats' final game of the regular season against West Virginia. Coach Jay Wright said then that the benching was to make "a minor teaching point." Wright would not comment further, and King said it involved "some personal stuff I'm going through right now."