Sophomore Guard Cezar Guerrero Leaves Oklahoma State Basketball Team

Oklahoma State guard Cezar Guerrero will not play for the Cowboys this season so that he can take care of his ill mother, OSU head coach Tavs Ford announced Tuesday.

"I have spoken with Cezar and his brother, J.C., and understand the difficult time their family is going through," Ford said. We wish Cezar nothing but the best, and pray for a speedy recovery for his mother, Martha. Cezar has been a valuable member of this team, and we appreciate all the contributions that he has made to the program. We will certainly help him in any way possible to locate a school near his home that will give him an opportunity to continue his education while also pursuing his basketball career."

As a true freshman in 2011-12, Guerrero averaged 5.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists in 32 games, including six starts. He was competing to be Oklahoma State's starting two guard this preseason, and averaged 8.8 points during the Cowboys' four-game exhibition tour in Spain.

Guerrero's departure is the latest bit of bad news in what has already been an extremely tumultuous offseason for Oklahoma State.

Last month, suspended forward Darrell Williams was convicted on two counts of sexual battery and rape by instrumentation at the end of a trial where Ford testified on his player's behalf. On Aug. 7, Ford suspended center Phillip Jurick indefinitely after Jurick was arrested and charged with possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

Oklahoma State finished last season 15-18 overall and 7-11 in Big 12 play.

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