Five-star WKU center Mitchell Robinson has decided to skip the upcoming college basketball season and prepare for the 2018 NBA Draft, according to Scout.com’s Evan Daniels.

WKU sports information director Zach Greenwell confirmed to the Herald Sunday night that Robinson has “left the program.”

As the No. 9 recruit in the class of 2019, Robinson was WKU’s first McDonald’s All-American commit. This marks the second time that he has departed from the program and the school in this offseason. 

“I’ve decided to leave Western Kentucky and just focus on next year’s NBA Draft,” Robinson said, according to Daniels’ report. “I want to thank Western Kentucky, the coaching staff, the fans and my teammates, but I decided to pursue a professional career.”

The Robinson saga started when he left campus without warning during the summer, and was suspended indefinitely by head coach Rick Stansbury.

After being granted release from his letter of intent, the 7-foot prospect returned to WKU and re-enrolled. He has now decided to leave the program for a second time, less than one month since his re-instatement.  

“I’ve learned from some decisions I’ve made in my life,” Robinson said when he was reinstated on Aug. 28, according to a press release. “I accept all responsibility for my actions and look forward to gaining back the respect of all of my coaches, teammates and fans. This is where I want to be, and I want to help the Hilltoppers compete for a championship.”

Stansbury also commented on Robinson’s reinstatement on that day.

“Mitchell is a good kid who can benefit greatly from the structure and accountability provided to him here,” Stansbury said. “As I stated previously, there are requirements for his return that will be handled internally.”

Robinson plans to move to Dallas and train regularly in preparation for next year, Daniels said. 

As of now, Robinson is still enrolled at the university, according to the online student database, but the page on the team website does not show Robinson on the active roster.  

With Robinson’s departure, the Hilltoppers roster is now down to 11 players: Four seniors, one redshirt junior, a redshirt sophomore and four freshmen (Jared Savage must sit out this season due to transfer rules).

Reporter Jeremy Chisenhall can be reached at 859-760-0198 and [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @JSChisenhall.