We knew that Devoe Joseph planned to leave the Gophers Monday. But the university finally issued a statement on the matter Wednesday afternoon.

Here's the program's official release on the subject:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Jan. 5, 2011 Devoe Joseph to Transfer from Minnesota The University of Minnesota basketball program and head coach Tubby Smith announced today that junior guard Devoe Joseph has decided to transfer from the University of Minnesota. "We are disappointed that Devoe has decided to leave the University of Minnesota," said Smith. "He was a big part of this team and will always be a member of the Gopher Basketball family. We wish him the best of luck." Joseph played in 76 career games in Maroon and Gold, including 25 starts, and finished with averages of 7.7 points, 2.4 assists, 2.3 rebounds and 21.6 minutes played. He leaves the university in ninth place all-time on the Gophers' three-point field goal percentage list at .382 (97-217). He played in eight games this season after sitting out the team's first six games due to a violation of team rules. He was averaging a career-high 11.2 points per game in the eight games played. -UM-