A bumpy start to Kentucky’s basketball season got even worse Wednesday when sophomore guard Quade Green announced he will transfer from the program.

“I have loved my time at Kentucky and love Coach Cal and the staff,” Green said in a press release. “This was a difficult decision and one I didn’t take lightly. However, after talking with my family and the coaching staff, I just felt like it was best that I explore other opportunities for my athletic and academic future.

“I have enjoyed my time at Kentucky and I’ll never forget the Big Blue Nation for its love and its support.”

Green, a former 5-star recruit, was the Wildcats’ fifth-leading scorer through nine games this season with eight points a night. A threat from beyond the arc who had scored in double figures four times as a sophomore, Green averaged 17.8 minutes per game this year and had 21 assists and nine steals to his name.

He started 13 of 34 games as a freshman, averaging 9.3 points and 2.7 assists per game.

Green will be eligible to transfer to any other school without restriction, according to the press release, and Kentucky coach John Calipari said he supports the sophomore’s decision.

But his departure is another blow to a Wildcats team that has dipped to No. 19 in the AP Top 25 after beginning the season ranked second. Kentucky opened its season with a blowout loss to Duke and most recently squandered a late lead in a home loss against Set Hall.