Provo » One of the most promising members of the BYU basketball team is leaving the program, coach Dave Rose announced Thursday.

Michael Loyd Jr., who would have been a junior next season, will complete his college basketball eligibility at another program, Rose said in a school news release.

"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."

Loyd's departure is a significant loss for the Cougars, especially after the way the Las Vegas product played at the end of the 2009-10 season.

Loyd was instrumental in BYU's late-season wins over Utah and Florida, and also helped the Cougars immensely in their close loss to nationally ranked New Mexico.

Against Florida, Loyd had a career-high 26 points in the 99-92 double-overtime win.

For the season, he averaged 5.1 points and 1.2 assists per game while shooting .528 from the field.

Loyd averaged 2.0 points and 1.2 assists as a freshman in 2007-08, then redshirted the following season.