After a season of exceeded expectations, a few members of Western’s men’s basketball program have decided to take their services elsewhere.

Sophomore forward D.J. Magley, freshman guard Dejan Cvoro and junior guard Uros Komadinic were all granted releases from their scholarships today to pursue other opportunities.

“We obviously respect everything that those guys have brought to the table with our team and how hard they’ve worked,” coach Ken McDonald said. “We wish them all the best. Wish them well, and I expect each one of them to go out in their own way and have some success.”

McDonald met with all three players near the end of last week and said that all three had their own reasons for leaving.

He cited that Magley wanted a more prominent role on the court. Komadinic, who would have been a non-scholarship player next season, was having financial troubles at home and needed a scholarship. Cvoro was taken aback by the level of competition in Division-I.

Cvoro appeared in 24 games this season, making 10 consecutive starts from Jan. 1- Jan. 31. Komadinic scored a season-high 15 points in Western’s season-opening 73-64 loss at Houston, his lone game in double-figures on the season. Magley, a starter on last season’s Sweet Sixteen team, played a solid Sun Belt Conference tournament, helping the Toppers to their second consecutive Sun Belt tournament title.

Magley said his decision to leave was made in the past few days and that he is looking to play somewhere else.

“It was a decision based on my part,” Magley said. “I love Western, and it’s one of the best atmospheres in all the universities that I’ve seen and been to, and I just love it to death. But I believe it’s my time to go.”

Magley added that his transition from starter to reserve didn’t have an effect on his decision to transfer and that the decision had come in the past few days.

“We had a really good heart to heart talk,” McDonald said. “With D.J. and his father and his mom, and they’ve been a terrific part of this program for two years – you can’t fault him for wanting to do something different. You just respect it and wish him well and obviously grant him a release.”

The team doesn’t lose much in terms of production. The three players combined for 7.1 points and 4.6 rebounds last season.

The loss of the trio of players leaves the team with five scholarship athletes on the roster with three committed recruits joining the team in the fall. The loss of Magley may mean the addition of a forward before next season.

Going into the spring signing period that begins Wednesday, Western has two verbal commitments. NCAA rules allow for 13 scholarship athletes to a men’s basketball roster.