Memphis junior F Garcia leaving to play in Spain

Published Dec. 12, 2010 8:01 p.m. ET

foxsports

Memphis junior forward Angel Garcia will leave the 13th-ranked Tigers at the end of the fall semester and sign a professional contract in Spain.

Coach Josh Pastner announced Garcia's plans Sunday night. The 6-foot-11 Garcia will complete his final exams first.

Garcia says this is a very difficult decision with Memphis being his home the past three years. But Garcia said in a statement through the school that he got an offer to help his family financially that he couldn't refuse.

He played in all eight games, averaging 6.1 points and 3.0 rebounds.

Pastner says they support Garcia's decision fully to play professionally in Spain.