DENTON, Texas - Mean Green center Ben Knox has opted to forgo his final two seasons with the North Texas basketball team.

"We certainly appreciate the contributions that Ben has made to our program over the last three years," said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. "Ben has decided to step away from the game of basketball, and we wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors."

Knox (6-10, 221, Jr., Arlington, Texas) was a TAPPS Second-Team All-State selection as a senior at Arlington's Grace Prep Academy, and led the Lions to the state title game in each of his last two seasons. He was ranked as high as No. 62 on Texashoops.com's list of high school seniors.

After a redshirt season in 2008-09, Knox made 16 appearances for the Mean Green as a freshman, recording his first career block at No. 16 Texas A&M. Overall, he averaged 0.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 4.6 minutes per contest.

Knox began to blossom in his sophomore campaign. He earned eight straight starts in Dec. and Jan., including the win at LSU where he racked up five rebounds. In the Sun Belt opener, Knox tallied his career-best game with nine points and seven rebounds by halftime.

He finished the year shooting 50.0 percent (22-of-44) from the floor, with averages of 1.6 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 8.7 minutes per game, and 17 career blocks.