Columbia, MO (Sports Network) - University of Missouri junior guard Keon Lawrence was released from his scholarship Friday, head coach Mike Anderson announced.

Lawrence led the Tigers with 29.2 minutes played last season as a sophomore appearing in all 32 contests, including 20 starts. He finished as the team's third-leading scorer with 11.0 points per game and a team-leading 307 field goal attempts.

"The well-being of our student-athletes is always a chief concern for us," Anderson said. "With that, I have always wanted my players to be happy. I feel by granting Keon his release it's in the best interest of both him and our program. We appreciate Keon's efforts at Missouri and wish him nothing but the best."