The University of Hawaii basketball team’s leading returning scorer has decided to opt out of playing this coming season.

Samuta Avea, a 6-foot-6 wing from Hau‘ula, announced his decision on Twitter on Monday evening.

“After careful discussion with my family and my coaches, I’ve decided to opt out of the 2020-21 season,” Avea tweeted. “It was a difficult decision, but I believe it’s the right thing to do at this time, not only for myself but also my team. I will continue to work hard and stay focused. I love my teammates and coaches and can’t wait to rejoin them on the court next season. Appreciate all the support.”

Avea was not available for further comment.

“We have a love for Samuta and his family,” UH head coach Eran Ganot said. “It’s been a long relationship since early in his high school career (at Kahuku High). These are unique times. We will support our student-athletes, as always, to the best of our ability.”

The past season, Avea averaged 10.8 points while hitting 35% of his 3s and 83% of his free throws. He played in 82 games the past three seasons. He started all 25 games he was healthy during the 2019-20 season.

Avea was counted on for his leadership following the loss of four players with the most starts last season. Eddie Stansberry and Zigmars Raimo completed their eligibility, Drew Buggs went to Missouri as a graduate transfer, and Dawson Carper transferred to Missouri State.

Avea is on the mainland, but is taking on-line classes from UH. Because of the pandemic, the NCAA is allowing players to repeat this year. That means even if he played this season, Avea would have been eligible for another senior season in 2021-22, anyway.

UH post Bernardo da Silva is recovering from an ailment and has not practiced the past three weeks. “He had a setback, he’s been working hard to get back, and he’s getting better,” Ganot said.

The Rainbow Warriors are scheduled to open their Big West season against Cal Poly on Dec. 27 in the Stan Sheriff Center.

Only the ’Bows’ schedule against Big West opponents is listed on the school’s web site. It is believed the ’Bows are negotiating to play nonconference games as early as this weekend.