What was already a weak spot on the ISU men’s basketball team became lighter on Monday. Freshman guard Dodie Dunson announced he is transferring from Iowa State for academic reasons, making him the third Cyclone in as many months to leave the basketball team.

“It was an honor and a privilege to be able to coach Dodie last season,” said coach Greg McDermott. “He is an outstanding young man, and we wish him nothing but the best as he pursues his basketball career.”

Dunson, who said he is fully qualified academically, decided to transfer, saying it would be best for his future.

“I just thought I struggled a little bit this year, and that’s why I made the decision,” Dunson said.

Dunson, who was recruited out of Bloomington, Ill., said he will continue his basketball career at Vincennes University, a public university in Indiana.

“They have a good academic facility and a great program in place,” he said.

Dunson, who averaged 5.2 points and 1.5 rebounds in all 31 games for the Cyclones last season, becomes the third player to leave the team, joining guard Corey McIntosh and center Ross Marsden. McIntosh, who left the team in March, has moved on to play at Augustana in South Dakota, while Marsden maintains his status as an ISU student, focusing on a degree in business.

Without Dunson, the Cyclones are left with only sophomore Brock Jacobson and seniors Mike Taylor and Mark Currie as guards with Division I playing experience. Taylor remains suspended from the team indefinitely, after facing fourth-degree criminal mischief charges from a vandalism incident that occurred at the Frederiksen Court apartment complex on Feb. 4.