Zach Lofton has been dismissed from the Gophers men’s basketball program “for failing to meet the expectations and obligations of the team,” head coach Richard Pitino announced Wednesday night.

“While decisions like this are always difficult, we felt it was in the interest of our program to move forward at this time,” Pitino said in a statement. “We wish Zach nothing but the best in the future.”

Lofton can stay at the University under scholarship for the remainder of the 2014-15 academic year, according to the release.

The junior guard was redshirting this season after transferring from Illinois State.

In his only season at Illinois State, Lofton averaged 11.3 points per game and three rebounds per game.

Before that, the St. Paul native played a season at San Jacinto College.

While Lofton was ineligible to play during the 2014-15 season, Pitino regarded him as someone who could contribute in future years.

Pitino has praised Lofton in the past for his high potential.

“The sky is the limit for Zach. He has all the tools and talent to be a big-time guard. Phenomenal athlete, great length and has the ability to get his shot off at any time. We need him to be ready next year,” Pitino wrote in a blog over the summer.