Wynyard to leave Kentucky after eventful spell

Tai Wynyard, one of New Zealand’s top basketball prospects, has cut short his University of Kentucky career after a tumultuous two-year spell at the famed US college where he was caught up in a gun scandal.

The 20-year-old Breakers product has been suspended since February after he violated team rules - allegedly attending a party with an armed student.

The Courier Journal reported that university fraternity and sorority members used a group messaging app to warn each other about a potentially dangerous student who allegedly carried a gun to a party to protect Wynyard.

Wynyard played just 97 minutes across two seasons with Kentucky, scoring 19 points.

‘‘I want to thank everyone who has played a part in my two and a half years at Kentucky,’’ said Wynyard, who also battled a back injury for most of the season.

‘‘I’ve been lucky enough to have gained experiences one could only hope to have in a lifetime.

‘‘This decision wasn’t an easy one for me to make. My goals haven’t changed. After meeting with Cal [coach John Calipari], something that he always talks about is doing what’s best for the individual. Everyone is on a different path.’’

Kentucky were NCAA champions as recently as 2012. They dropped out at the sweet 16 stage this year.