Xavier suspends freshman Reynolds

Published Jan. 28, 2014 12:06 p.m. ET

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CINCINNATI -- Xavier coach Chris Mack has suspended freshman forward Jalen Reynolds indefinitely for reasons dealing with issues away from the court.

"All of our players have responsibilities greater than basketball," said Mack in a statement released by Xavier. "Any time those responsibilities are not given the appropriate attention, the first thing eliminated to allow them to narrow their focus is basketball. When Jalen can demonstrate he is able to successfully manage those responsibilities, he will re-join our team."

While Mack didn't specify Reynolds' troubles, speculation is that is due to academics. The door is open for Reynolds to return before the end of this season. Reynolds (6-9, 222) is a freshman from Detroit who played at Brewster Academy in New Hampshire.

Reynolds has played in 19 of Xavier's 20 games this season, coming off the bench to average 2.8 points and 2.8 rebounds in 10.1 minutes per game. He has twice scored a season-high of 11 points, against Morehead St. and Abilene Christian, and had a high of 11 rebounds against Miami (Ohio). He had six points and four rebounds in last Saturday's 81-72 loss at Providence College but in the three previous games he twice didn't record any points or rebounds against Creighton and DePaul and he did not play against Georgetown.

Xavier (15-5, 5-2 Big East) hosts Seton Hall (12-8, 3-4) this Saturday at noon. The Musketeers are undefeated in 12 home games this season, including 4-0 in the Big East, and have won 13 straight at the Cintas Center overall.

The loss of Reynolds will put a slight crimp in Xavier's front court rotation but it is an area where the Musketeers have good depth with starting center Matt Stainbrook and forwards Justin Martin and Isaiah Philmore. James Farr and Erik Stenger are still available as reserves.