VCU Athletics announced the departure of sophomore guard Jay Gavin citing personal reasons.

“Jay has made the decision that it is in his best interest to leave our team,” Head Coach Shaka Smart. “As a coaching staff, we appreciate Jay’s efforts and contributions during his time as a Ram. We wish him nothing but the best for his future.”

Jay started the first 7 games of the season, and scored a season high 20 points in a win against then 17th ranked Oklahoma Sooners. Jay sat out the 08-09 season as required by NCAA transfer rules. Gavin had seen reduced playing time of late and sat out four of the last six games.

Jay transferred from Marist to join VCU when former Marist head coach Matt Brady took the job as head coach at JMU. When VCU head coach Anthony Grant left in 2009, Gavin was introduced to his 3rd head coach in NCAA basketball.

While his time at VCU was limited to just over 2/3 of a season, Jay averaged 5.6 points in 14.1 minutes of play. Jay has hit 36% of his shots this season, and just over 34% from long range.

Transfer rules would require Gavin to sit a full year prior to playing at another Division I university.  A transfer to a lower division would grant Gavin immediate eligibility.