Taurean Thompson withdraws from Syracuse

Sophomore forward Taurean Thompson has withdrawn from Syracuse, according to a report from Syracuse.com.

“We have been informed that Taurean is taking a leave of absence from Syracuse University,” head coach Jim Boeheim said in a statement. “My understanding is he wants to go to school closer to home due to some family health issues.”

Thompson, who attended Brewster Academy (N.H.) as a senior, committed to Syracuse over Michigan State and Seton Hall. He then signed financial aid papers.

The 6-9 Thompson averaged 9.2 points per game and 3.8 rebounds per game in 17.9 minutes as a freshman.

Without his presence down low, Syracuse will rely on 7-2 Providence transfer Paschal Chukwu and 6-10 freshman Bourama Sidibe out of St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark.

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Written by Adam Zagoria

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Adam Zagoria is a Basketball Insider who covers basketball at all levels. A contributor to The New York Times and SportsNet New York (SNY), he is also the author of two books and is an award-winning journalist and filmmaker. His articles have appeared in ESPN The Magazine, SLAM, Sheridan Hoops, Basketball Times and in newspapers nationwide. He also won an Emmy award for his work on the SNY mini-documentary on Syracuse guard Tyus Battle. A veteran Ultimate Frisbee player, he has competed in numerous National and World Championships and, perhaps more importantly, his teams won the Westchester Summer League (WSL) championships in 2011 and 2013. He lives in Manhattan with his wife and children.