Sophomore forward Brendan Bailey of the Marquette University men's basketball team has decided to leave the program and pursue his professional basketball career, head coach Steve Wojciechowski announced Friday afternoon.
"We wish Brendan the best of luck and are supportive of his decision to take the next step in his basketball career to the professional level," Wojciechowski said. "We are thankful for his contributions to our program the last two seasons and will do all we can to assist him with the process. His best basketball is ahead of him and we can't wait to see where his journey takes him next."
Bailey, who entered his name into consideration for the NBA Draft in April, appeared in 64 career games for the Golden Eagles and averaged 5.1 points and 3.4 rebounds per game. He joined the team in 2018-19 after completing a two-year Mormon mission after high school.
"These past two years at Marquette have been incredible," Bailey said. "I would like to say thank you to my coaches, teammates and the entire Marquette community. You have helped me in so many ways and have given me two of the best years of my life.
"After counseling with my family, I have decided to forgo my junior and senior years and pursue a career in professional basketball," Bailey added. "This has always been a dream of mine and Marquette has helped prepare me to make this dream a reality. Thank you Marquette, you will always have a special place in my heart."
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