BYU basketball: Sophomore guard Michael Loyd leaving Cougars' program

PROVO — Reserve BYU guard Michael Loyd Jr. showed his basketball potential late last season when he electrified Cougar fans with a 26-point performance in a first-round NCAA Tournament win over Florida — BYU's first tournament win in 17 years.

Loyd single-handedly brought the Cougars back from a seven-point deficit by scoring 10 straight points. He also opened some eyes by scoring 19 second-half points in a narrow home loss to New Mexico and 18 first-half points in a blowout win at Utah.

Those games had BYU fans excited for even greater things from Loyd this coming season, which would have been his junior year. However, the 6-foot-1 speedy and explosive backcourt star from Las Vegas has decided to finish his education and basketball eligibility elsewhere.

In a statement released Thursday, BYU coach Dave Rose said Loyd will not return to the Cougars next season — where he likely would have backed up starters Jimmer Fredette and Jackson Emery, or been part of a three-guard lineup.

"Michael and I have met several times, and we have mutually decided he will continue his education and basketball career in another program," Rose said. "He has been a significant part of our success the last three seasons, and we are grateful for his many contributions. As a staff, we wish him the best and will do all we can to help Michael find a great situation."

Rose is out of town and was unavailable Thursday for further comment. The BYU release contained no statement from Loyd, and he has not publicly disclosed why he is leaving, or where he plans to transfer or if he is even looking at specific schools at this point.

Loyd also did not respond to requests from the Deseret News for comments, and reportedly he has decided not to discuss the matter with the media — which leaves speculation as to why he's leaving.

Even as a reserve, Loyd would have likely played significant minutes next season. He also would have competed to take the spot left vacant when Tyler Haws, a starter last season, departed for a two-year LDS mission.

Some reports say Loyd, who redshirted two seasons ago, is leaving because of a combination of playing time and wanting to attend a school that is a little less restrictive. Loyd, who sported a Mohawk late in the season and organized an effort for several other Cougars to do the same, was one of the more flashy and free-spirited players to suit up for the Cougars in many years.

However, BYU officials made it clear that Loyd was not kicked out of school because of academics or for honor code issues.