Marcus Johnson is no longer a member of the UConn men's basketball team. Here's the press release sent out by UConn not long ago:

University of Connecticut junior Marcus Johnson (Los Angeles, Calif.) has asked for permission to speak to other schools and will be transferring from the University, it was announced by Head Coach Jim Calhoun Monday afternoon.

Johnson will complete the fall academic semester at UConn, but will no longer be a member of the basketball program.

“Marcus came to see me today and told me that he felt it was in his best interests to find another school to attend and to play basketball,” said Calhoun. “I know he has a desire to maximize his playing time and also to get closer to home, so he felt this was the best decision for him at this time. I wish him nothing but the best as a person and as a basketball player.”

“I enjoyed my time here at UConn,” said Johnson. “I appreciate everything that my teammates and coaches have done for me and hope they have plenty of success this season.”

Johnson did not appear in yesterday’s exhibition contest against Bryant due to an injured right elbow. He is scheduled to undergo an MRI and x-rays on his elbow later this week. He did appear in UConn’s exhibition on November 1 against Assumption, playing six minutes and scoring three points.

Johnson appeared in 51 games in his two seasons, starting 24. He had a career average of 4.9 points per game and shot 50.0% from the field. As a sophomore in 2006-07, Johnson appeared in all 31 games, starting at small forward position in 19 contests. He averaged 5.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 16.7 minutes per game, reaching double-figures seven times and leading the team in steals on eight occasions.