Taurean Thompson, a rising sophomore and would-be potential star for Syracuse, has left the program, the Syracuse Post-Standard reported. 

The 20-year-old Thompson averaged 9.2 points and 3.8 rebounds, in addition to 55-percent shooting last season. Standing 6-foot-9 and boasting an exceptional handle for a power forward, Thompson was expected to make a big leap in playing time and offensive responsibility for Jim Boeheim's program this season.

The Orange battled injuries in 2016-17, finished 19-15 and missed the NCAA Tournament for the second time in three seasons.

"We have been informed that Taurean is taking a leave of absence from Syracuse University," Boeheim said in a statement to the Post-Standard. "My understanding is he wants to go to school closer to home due to some family health issues."

Thompson's departure comes after months of speculation as to whether his Syracuse career was finished. He did not show up for summer courses, preventing him from participating in offseason team workouts. 

More via Syracuse.com:

Various sources have said Thompson has not communicated with his Syracuse teammates over the summer. He has declined invitations to hang out with them. He has not returned phone calls or messages. Thompson's AAU coach, Jimmy Salmon, said last week he had seen Thompson a couple times over the summer, most recently about a week earlier. Salmon, the coach of the New Jersey Playaz, described Thompson as "a free spirit." He said Thompson had been working out in New Jersey and expected Thompson to be back in Syracuse by the weekend.  

Thompson is from New Jersey, and Seton Hall has been rumored as his landing spot. The Pirates, who have made the past two NCAA Tournaments, have a roster spot open. No matter where Thompson goes, he will be forced to redshirt in 2017-18. Thompson is considered a fringe NBA prospect, but his size and offensive skills could get him NBA looks. 

Syracuse's only returning frontcourt presence is 7-2 Paschal Chukwu, who played only seven games last season because of eye surgery. Syracuse enters 2017-18 without six of its top seven scorers from last season, including Tyler Lydon, who left as a sophomore and was drafted 24th overall by the Utah Jazz in June's NBA Draft.