Sophomore forward Rolle leaving LSU

BATON ROUGE, La. -- Sophomore forward Magnum Rolle is leaving LSU, the university announced Wednesday.

The 6-foot-10 native of Freeport, Bahamas, asked for a release after two seasons with the Tigers.

"After this season, me and my family members discussed it and decided that LSU is not the best place for me. It's a great place, but it's just time for me to move on and get a fresh start somewhere else," Rolle told the Advocate of Baton Rouge.

Rolle said he will weigh whether to transfer to another program or sit out next year to prepare for the 2008 NBA Draft.

As a freshman in 2005-06, Rolle was a backup to Tyrus Thomas -- who just completed his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls -- and 2006 Southeastern Conference Player of the Year Glen "Big Baby" Davis. Rolle averaged just 8.7 minutes per game.

Heading into last season, Rolle was counted on to provide some of the shot-blocking and rebounding left by Thomas' void. But a herniated disk slowed his progress.

Although his defense improved, Rolle's inconsistency prevented him from playing a larger role on a team with Davis and senior Darnell Lazare absorbing most of the playing time at the forward spots.

Rolle played in 60 games, with nine starts, averaging 2.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game.

Coach John Brady declined to comment on Rolle's departure but said in a statement released by the university that there may have been a disagreement in the way Rolle was being developed.

"Despite the development of several players who have had the patience and made it to the next level in our program at his position, sometimes the parties involved do not agree on a developmental process of the player as it relates to the team," Brady said. "When that happens, other options may be explored. We wish Magnum well with his future in basketball and his pursuit of his education."