University of Alabama guard Ben Eblen will forgo his senior season with the men’s basketball team, he and head coach Anthony Grant announced Wednesday.

“I want to thank the basketball program, The University, the Tuscaloosa community and my teammates for the best three years of my life,” Eblen said. “The relationships and memories created in Tuscaloosa will last a lifetime. Representing The University of Alabama has been a privilege I’m thankful for, and I’m eager to receive my degree and begin the next chapter in my life.”

As a 6-foot, 191-pound point guard from Isle of Palms, S.C., Eblen appeared in 92 games over the past three seasons and averaged 8.2 minutes per game. He is scheduled to graduate in December, 2012, with a degree in consumer affairs.

Eblen spent the 2011-2012 season as the back up point guard behind rising junior Trevor Releford.

“We appreciate everything Ben has brought to our program over the last three years and wish him the absolute best in his future endeavors,” Grant said.