A native of Compton, Calif., David Hamilton has suffered through a series of family deaths.

He left the team on Friday, Feb. 1, to return home after hearing news that his grandfather had died.

His mother, Donna Ruffin, died just last February.

"We support David's decision to be with his family following the heartbreak they have endured," Coach Cliff Ellis said.

"He feels being closer to home is important, and I understand," he said. "We will miss him and do everything we can to help him."

Hamilton was sixth on the team averaging 16.7 minutes, 4.6 points and 3.8 rebounds a game. Many felt Hamilton would become a superstar at Auburn. He was bidding for a starting role last season before he broke his leg on Dec. 24, 1998.

Hamilton was deemed academically ineligible for the fall quarter this season and missed the first five games of the season.

The 6-foot-9, 235-pound sophomore appeared in 16 games this year for the Tigers. He scored 10 points a piece against Pepperdine, Puerto-Mayaguez and Stony Brook.

Hamilton will attempt to enroll at a school closer to home.

"I appreciate everything Coach Ellis and Auburn University have done for me," Hamilton said.

"I will miss my teammates. They have given me a lot of support though some very tough times. I wish them the best," Hamilton said.

The absence of Hamilton leaves a void in the middle.

It has opened the door for sophomore Mack McGadney.

Before the LSU game, McGadney averaged 5.1 points and 4.2 rebounds a game. Against the Bengal Tigers, he had 19 points and 8 rebounds.

Hamilton's departure has also increased the need for a low-post presence in this year's recruiting class.

The Tigers have signed three post players in the early signing period.

They are 6-foot-7 swingman Brandon Robinson of Buckhorn, 6-foot-9 center Kyle Davis of Atlanta and 6-foot-9 forward Abdou Diame of Dakar, Senegal.