FAYETTEVILLE- (KFSM) Arkansas junior guard Michael Qualls has announced via Twitter that he will forgo his senior year and turn pro.
The decision comes one day after Bobby Portis also chose to leave the Razorbacks.
Qualls was second on the team with 15.9 points and 5.3 rebounds per game behind Portis and led the team in minutes played.
The duo led the SEC in scoring and led the Razorbacks to a 27-9 season and to the third round of the NCAA Tournament.
Qualls shot 47 percent from the field, including 33 percent from 3-point range, and provided countless highlight reel dunks in his three years with the Razorbacks.
Qualls' full statement on Twitter:
"My time at the University of Arkansas has not only helped me grow as a basketball player, but also as a man and I'm very thankful for the guidance the coaching staff and everyone at the university has given me over my three years. After sitting down with my family I felt the best decision for me is to continue my basketball career as a professional. I'm ready to provide for my family and my son.
"I can't say thank you enough to the Razorback fans. Coming in as a kid from Louisiana they embraced me from the start like I was one of their own and have always shown me an amazing amount of support. That means a lot to me and I'll forever be a Razorback."
Head coach Mike Anderson also released a statement:
"We certainly wish Mike all the best as he pursues his basketball career after college. I know this was a difficult decision for Mike, but one he ultimately thought was best for him. Mike has improved so much since he arrived on campus three years ago and hopefully that progressions continues. He has a bright future.”