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AUBURN AUTHORITY

Alex Thompson leaving Auburn basketball program

James Crepea
Montgomery Advertiser
Auburn forward Alex Thompson scored a career-high 16 points against Mississippi State.

AUBURN -- Alex Thompson is leaving the Auburn basketball program.

The former walk-on, who averaged 2.7 points and 1.9 rebounds in 23 games off the bench last season, announced his departure via Twitter on Wednesday.

"I will forever be thankful to Auburn University, its fans, and it's basketball program for how meaningful they made these past 2 years for me," Thompson wrote. "I can't put into words how hard of a decision this has been for me and my family but we believe it is best that I move on. I wish nothing but the best and have nothing but love for all my teammates and coaches here at auburn. Ready to see what God has planned for me next. WAR EAGLE"

Thompson, a 6-foot-9 210 pound forward, was awarded a scholarship by former coach Tony Barbee during the 2013-14 season.

Auburn's run in the SEC Tournament started in large part thanks to Thompson, whose career-high 16 points, including three three-pointers, propelled Auburn past Mississippi State in the opening round of the tournament.

Thompson missed the first seven games of last season while serving a "leave of absence" from the program. The Dothan native will have two years of eligibility remaining.

With Thompson's departure Auburn has one scholarship available for next year and is heavily pursuing former Providence forward Tyler Harris, who will visit Auburn this weekend, according to his father. Harris, the younger brother of former Tennessee forward Tobias Harris, who was coached by Bruce Pearl, would be eligible immediately.