Before the LSU men’s basketball season tipped off with a game against Louisiana-Monroe at the PMAC on Wednesday night, LSU men’s basketball head coach Matt McMahon had a surprising announcement.

Junior wing Tyrell Ward is taking a step back from the program for mental health reasons.

“I do not anticipate him returning to competition this season,” McMahon said in a statement. “We are very appreciative of his contributions to our program and we will be supporting him every step of the way moving forward.”

McMahon did not go into any further details in the statement.

Ward averaged 9.1 points per game last year on 41.3% shooting from 3-point range and was expected to take on a role as one of the team’s leading scorers this year.

Without Ward, the Tigers are down one of their best offensive weapons. McMahon will have to look elsewhere to find scoring on the roster.