Mike Turner will take what Northwestern officials are calling a “leave of absence” from the Wildcats’ basketball program.
Turner will not play for the Wildcats this season and he’s unlikely to rejoin the team after not meshing with the new coaching staff, according to sources.
Coach Chris Collins said in a statement that Turner, who remains enrolled, “will take some time away from the program to focus on aspects of his life other than basketball. He has our complete support and we will revisit his status within the program once the time is appropriate.”
The 6-foot-8 Turner appeared in all 32 games for the Wildcats last season as a redshirt freshman, averaging 1.9 points and 2.0 rebounds. He shot just 33.8 percent from the field, made 6 of 15 free throws and committed a foul every six minutes on the floor.
Observers considered it a reach when Northwestern offered the Chicago Lab school alum a full ride, with most figuring he would be better suited to Ivy League basketball.
Turner’s departure opens a scholarship slot that likely will not be filled until next season.
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