The SMU men’s basketball roster got a little smaller this past week.

Dez Willingham, who will earn his degree in August, will not be returning to the Mustangs for the 2007-08 season.

With one year of eligibility left Willingham will leave SMU for a school with a Masters of Education program. Because he will have left SMU with his diploma, Willingham will not have to sit out a year at the school he chooses to attend.

Wherever he decides to play it will be the third jersey Willingham will put on during his collegiate career. Willingham came to SMU after playing one season at Kansas State, but saw his role change when former coach Jimmy Tubbs left and new head coach Matt Doherty was hired.

Willingham started all but one game in his sophomore season and saw that number fall in half, with many starts coming due to an injury to guard Derrick Roberts.

Willingham was to be one of four seniors to lead the Mustangs this season along with fellow guards Jon Killen and Roberts. This will leave a hole to fill for Doherty who will need to find a new ball handler. This will most likely mean that one or more of the newly signed freshmen will see more playing time.

Both Doherty and Willingham released statements regarding the issue.

Willingham said that while he enjoyed his time at SMU, he wants to continue in his education and is unable to do that at SMU.

Doherty said that he enjoyed having Willingham on the team and will miss his contributions.