As a sophomore next season, Dwayne Polee II would have been one of St. John’s most experienced players.

Instead the California native will transfer out of St. John’s to play closer to home.

“I really enjoyed my experience at St. John’s and I’m going to miss the staff and New York. Right now I feel it is best to be close to my family and help us get through a health issue,” Polee II said in a statement released on the university’s website.

Polee II played in all 33 of St. John’s games this past season, starting 27 and averaging 4.4 points per contest. That was part of a senior-laden team that lost in the second round of the NCAA tournament to Gonzaga. Coach Steve Lavin has one of the nation’s top recruiting classes for next season, but now Polee II won’t be there to aid the transition.

“Dwayne is an outstanding individual with a bright future,” Lavin said. “He has been a valued member of our basketball family. He leaves St. John’s University in good academic standing and we wish him well.”