IOWA CITY, IA - - Freshman forward Josh Rhodes has left the University of Iowa men’s basketball program and returned to his home in Santa Cruz, CA, according to Iowa Coach Steve Alford.

“It’s unfortunate that Josh has made his decision to no longer be a part of our program,” said Iowa Coach Steve Alford. “Josh has decided not to pursue his academic and basketball future at Iowa. He feels it is in his best interest to return to his home in Santa Cruz. I want to repeat what I’ve said many times before, and that is, we need to have student-athletes who are committed to our program and to obtaining their college education. We wish him the best.”

“My decision to return home is based on the fact that I have lost interest in playing college basketball,” said Rhodes. “This is a personal decision that I have to address and is no way a reflection on the Iowa basketball program. The support and encouragement I have received from Coach Alford, his staff, the Iowa players and the Iowa fans, only made this a tougher decision.”

Rhodes (6-7, 215) averaged 20 points and 12.8 points per game in helping Santa Cruz HS post a 26-6 record a year ago.