UW Athletic Communications announced yesterday afternoon that junior guard Maurice \Boo"" Wade would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from basketball, effective immediately. The resolution was made in light of discussions between Wade and Head Coach Bo Ryan last week.
Wade, who averaged 6.8 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 2.6 assists in 28 starts last year, is leaving the team for personal reasons.
""Boo and I have decided that he needs to step away from basketball to concentrate on some personal issues. ... Boo needs time away from basketball to get some things in order. We have no specific timetable for his return,"" Ryan said.
Wade is cleared to return to the Badgers at any time but that decision will not be made until both he and Ryan agree that it is time. ""I look forward to having the time away from basketball to be able to concentrate on some personal issues in my life and eventually get back on the court,"" Wade said.
Wade has had a rocky tenure with the Badgers, missing time due to legal troubles. His absence leaves some doubt in the Wisconsin backcourt as he had beat out senior guard Sharif Chambliss for the starting point guard position.
