Wilkes leaves Cal

Apr 4, 2007, 22:15 GMT

Berkeley, CA - Junior guard Omar Wilkes, who is scheduled to graduate from the University of California later this year, will not return to the Golden Bear basketball team next season.

The 6-4 Wilkes, who is completing his fourth year of college this spring, began his collegiate career at Kansas before transferring to Cal. After sitting out the 2004-05 campaign, he played the past two seasons for the Bears, starting 58 of 63 games.

'I respect Omar's decision to pursue postgraduate opportunities at this time,' Cal head coach Ben Braun said. 'His dedication and leadership have been invaluable to our team. He is one of the most team-oriented players I've ever coached. He will earn his Cal degree, and I'm confident he'll be successful in his career.'

Wilkes averaged 9.9 points and 2.2 rebounds per game last season.

'I have thoroughly enjoyed my experience at Cal with my teammates and coaches,' Wilkes said. 'I'll always cherish the memories of being a student and basketball player here. I am graduating this June with my degree in social welfare and feel it is time to pursue other areas of my life that interest me. I want to thank my coaches, teammates, professors, students and fans for their support. I will always consider myself a Golden Bear and will continue to support the program.'

© 2007 The Sports Network