Sophomore point guard Justin Leemow, who averaged 2.4 points per game this season, has decided to leave USF's basketball team, the second guard to do so in the past month.

"It's hard on the team. I think it's something he's been wrestling with," said coach Stan Heath, whose team plays at home Tuesday against Notre Dame. "After the Louisville game, we had a little conversation, and he just felt it was something he needed to do."

Heath said Leemow cited "family" as his primary reason for leaving the team -- he missed one game last month to be in New York while his grandfather was in poor health, and Heath said he allowed him to miss three practices after Christmas to attend the baptism of his nephew and niece. Asked if he thought Leemow would transfer to another school this spring, Heath said he did not know.

Leemow's minutes would have likely dropped significantly after transfer point guard Anthony Crater joins the team Saturday against Syracuse after sitting out more than a year. Crater and senior Chris Howard will be the team's primary point guards, though Leemow's departure leaves the Bulls thinner against Notre Dame.

Heath said he isn't as concerned about his guard depth as he is the depth in the post, where he has two players, junior Jarrid Famous and freshman Toarlyn Fitzpatrick, to use against one of the league's best inside players in senior Luke Harangody.

Leemow is the second young guard to leave the Bulls during this season, following freshman Jordan Dumars, who is transferring to be closer to his home in Michigan. Dumars is believed to be favoring Michigan, but the Detroit Free Press reported last week he was also considering Michigan State and Detroit Mercy.

Heath now has three scholarships available for the spring signing period.