Christian Behrens is leaving Cal basketball to pursue pro career

California Golden Bears forward Christian Behrens has decided to move on with his hoops career and not return for his final year of eligibility. It had been in the tea leaves for awhile that Behrens might decide to move on. Behrens walked out with the seniors on Senior Day in anticipation of this being his final year and is set to graduate this spring with a degree in American Studies.

More from Behrens:

“I want thank the entire California Athletics family for giving me this tremendous opportunity to represent the Golden Bears,” Behrens said. “I am on track to graduate in May with a degree from the world’s No. 1 public institution, which is a great honor. I believe at this time, I want to start a new chapter in my basketball career and pursue professional opportunities. I cherish my experiences here at Cal and have created friendships here that will last a lifetime. I will always be a Golden Bear.”

I want to thank my Cal family for everything. I am truly blessed to have been part of this program and university. #GoBears

— Christian Behrens (@CBehrens14) April 2, 2015

Behrens has had a rough go of it at Cal in terms of playing time. He missed most of his first two seasons with knee injuries. He lost his father to cancer soon after an ACL surgery. But he persevered and played through it and was a fixture in our lineups for most of the year.

With Behrens's depature, he joins David Kravish and Dwight Tarwater as Cal's outgoing players. Cal had one extra scholarship to use last year, so they have four open slots for the 2015 class (one of which is currently filled by Davon Dillard).

Best of luck Christian! Can't wait to see where you go and what you do! Go Bears!