Local Basketball Player to Leave Tennessee

Powder Springs native and University of Tennessee guard Trae Golden is leaving the basketball team, according to the Associated Press.

Golden said Tuesday in a university release that "I had a great three years here at Tennessee, but I plan to play my senior year somewhere else."

The release did not disclose why Golden is leaving, and his statement offered little insight. But a source told CBSSports.com that Golden's departure is related to "academic issues."

The 6-foot-2 guard ranked third in the Southeastern Conference with 3.9 assists per game and was the Volunteers' third-leading scorer with 12.1 points per game as a junior this past season.

He started 57 games over the last two years.
Tennessee coach Cuonzo Martin said in a statement that "everyone associated with our program wants to see him be successful, and we wish him well."