Star Wisconsin Basketball Player Quits Team Mid-Season

MADISON, WI — Wisconsin native and Badger basketball star Kobe King announced that he is leaving the Wisconsin basketball team.

His decision came about 48 hours after reports surfaced that he decided not to travel with the team to a Monday, Jan. 27 game in Iowa City versus the Hawkeyes — a game Wisconsin lost 68-62.

"After talking with family and friends, I have decided that the best step for my future basketball aspirations, as well as my love of the game, is to immediately step away from the University of Wisconsin Men's basketball program," King wrote this week on his Instagram page.

"After spending almost three years with the Wisconsin program, I have realized that this program is not the right fit for me as a player and a person," he wrote.

King, a former Gatorade Player of the Year out of La Crosse Central High School, spent three years with the Badgers, and was averaging 12.1 points per game at the time of his announcement.

In a statement, Wisconsin Badger Basketball head coach Greg Gard said, "Being a student-athlete in the Wisconsin men's basketball program is a special privilege and opportunity and I'm disappointed that Kobe has chosen to leave, particularly at this time. But I respect his right to do what he feels is in his best interest. I wish Kobe all the best."