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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State guard Jermaine Marshall, the team’s second-leading scorer, is foregoing his senior year of eligibility to pursue a professional career.

The team announced the surprise move in a statement Wednesday. Marshall is on schedule to graduate this summer.

Coach Patrick Chambers said Marshall cited turning pro as in the best interests of the player’s son and family. Marshall said it was a difficult decision, and thanked the basketball program.

Marshall had steadily improved in his three years on the court. He averaged 15.3 points last season and took on more leadership and ball-handling responsibilities after point guard Tim Frazier went down in November with a left Achilles injury.

Frazier is expected back next year to join leading scorer D.J. Newbill (16.3 points) in the backcourt.

by The Associated Press