Pitt forward John Hugley IV said he is taking off the rest of 2022-23 season, citing mental health issues and recovery from a lingering preseason injury.

In a letter posted to his Twitter account Saturday, Hugley said he came to this decision after much thought and consultation with family and others.

“I want nothing more than to be on the court with my teammates, however due to an injury and my mental health being a priority (and) after long discussions and talks with my coaches, family and mentors I have decided the best course of action will be for me to sit out the remainder of my season to fully invest in healing mentally as well as physically,” he wrote.

Please respect my decision!!???? pic.twitter.com/eYJJ6C2m88

— John Hugley IV (@thejohnhugley) January 14, 2023

Panthers head coach Jeff Capel said the team stands behind him.

“We are here to support John as he continues to learn to manage challenges in his personal life,” Capel said in a news release. “John has worked hard to get to this point and should be applauded for seeking out the help to continue to grow as a young man. This next step will allow him the time and space to focus on his personal growth. We are here to provide love and support for him on this journey that will undoubtedly help him throughout his life.”

The school said Hugley, a 6-foot-9 junior from Cleveland, is expected to seek a medical redshirt.

Hugley was a 2022 Honorable Mention All-ACC selection, and he appeared in eight games this season, averaging 8.0 points and 3.6 rebounds in 18.3 minutes per game.

Last season, he scored in double figures 23 times and had nine double-doubles. He averaged 14.8 points and 7.9 rebounds per game.

The Panthers (11-6, 4-2 ACC) play at Georgia Tech on Saturday.

–Field Level Media