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Colby Leifson announces he’s leaving BYU, will continue his collegiate basketball career elsewhere

Chris Detrick | The Salt Lake Tribune Brigham Young Cougars guard Nick Emery (4) Brigham Young Cougars forward Yoeli Childs (23) Brigham Young Cougars guard TJ Haws (30) and Brigham Young Cougars guard Colby Leifson (13) after the game at the Marriott Center Friday February 3, 2017. Gonzaga Bulldogs defeated Brigham Young Cougars 85-75.

BYU men’s basketball team permanently lost another player from its already-thin roster.

On Monday, mission-returned sophomore Colby Leifson announced through Twitter that he would be leaving BYU for another school, although he didn't specify where he'd go.

Leifson tweeted: “I am grateful for the time I've spent here at BYU, but I've decided it is best to continue my college basketball career elsewhere. Excited for the next chapter!”

In his freshman season (2016-17), the Suwanee, Georgia, native played 109 minutes in 26 games and averaged 1.6 points.

Leifson then served a two-year mission in Santos, Sao Paulo, Brazil, before returning to BYU this school year.

The Cougars had three players injured during the offseason. TJ Haws (knee surgery) was set to return full-time this week, while coach Mark Pope said Zac Seljaas (broken foot) should be back by the start of the season. Gavin Baxter (shoulder) will most likely be out for the season.

Yoeli Childs will sit out the first nine games of the season due to an NCAA probation.

Transfers Alex Barcello, Richard Harward and Wyatt Lowell are still waiting to hear about their waiver appeals.

BYU kicks off the season Nov. 5, when they host Cal State Fullerton at the Marriott Center at 7 p.m.