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Junior guard Shawn Lester leaving Charlotte program to pursue pro career

Phil Sears / USA Today Sports

The Charlotte 49ers are losing a key contributor to their 17-14 team from last season, the school's first campaign back in Conference USA after an eight-year run in the Atlantic 10.

The 49ers and head coach Alan Major announced Thursday that junior guard Shawn Lester has opted to leave the program to pursue a professional career.

"Although we are saddened that Shawn will not be with us, we are fully supporting him and his family as he makes this transition," Major said. “We thank him for his efforts, and he will be a Niner for life."

The 6-foot-4 Lester finished second on the team last season with 11.9 points, despite averaging just 24.4 minutes and primarily coming off the bench. He set a school record with 20 double-figure scoring games off the bench.

"I would like to thank my teammates and coaches for their support," Lester said. "This was a very difficult decision for me and my family. After much consideration and talking with my family and coaches, I feel it is in my best interest to begin my professional career."

h/t to CBT

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