Joshua Smith has decided to leave the UCLA basketball program, citing “personal reasons.”

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at UCLA and am grateful for the opportunity that has been presented to me here," Smith said in a statement.

The 6-foot-10 Smith, who was listed at 305 pounds, battled weight issues throughout his career and played sparingly this season. 

A West Coast-based NBA scout speaking on the condition of anonymity said Smith has the size, skill set and talent to be the most dominant center in college basketball.

"You're talking about someone who had the world in his palm," the scout said. "It's a tragic story."

The scout said an NBA team is likely to take a chance on drafting Smith in the second round if he decides to continue playing basketball, because "you just don't pass up on his size and skill set as a 20-year-old."