Sophomore guard Jay Gavin’s brief career with the VCU Rams is over. He has chosen to leave the men’s basketball team for what Scott Day at VCU has characterized as “personal reasons.”

“Jay has made the decision that it is in his best interest to leave our team,” said Shaka Smart the Rams head coach. “As a coaching staff, we appreciate Jay’s efforts and contributions during his time as a Ram. We wish him nothing but the best for his future.”

Gavin saw action in 17 games this season, after transferring from Marist and sitting out last season. He started the first seven games of the season. His best game came with his 20-point effort in the Rams’ cherished win over the visiting Oklahoma Sooners (82-69) on Nov. 21. In recent games he saw little, if any, playing time.

This development opens up a slot on next year’s roster for a third recruit. A Jan. 19 RT-D report indicated that Toby Veal of Northwest Florida State College will be joining the Rams program next season. But at the time of that story VCU didn’t have room for another player, if everyone on the roster returned.

It’s hard to say what went wrong when for Gavin and VCU, but I doubt many fans will miss Gavin’s unpredictable play or his predictable scowl.