AP

The University at Maryland-Baltimore County released a statement today saying that senior Chris De La Rosa is leaving the team, due to personal and family-related matters.

This is a big loss for the Retrievers, who were picked to finish seventh in the America East preseason poll.

De La Rosa was a preseason all-conference selection and last year, was a second team America East player.

"Obviously, we were disappointed to learn of Chris' decision, but understand the personal reasons behind it," UMBC coach Randy Monroe, said in a statement. "I felt he was a Player of the Year candidate in our league this year. We will miss him and wish him nothing but the best."

Back in 2007-08, De La Rosa played at Siena, on a team that finished 23-11 and reached the NCAA tournament, under coach Fran McCaffery.

De La Rosa played in both NCAA games, against Vanderbilt and Villanova, scoring five points in the second round loss to the Wildcats.

The University at Albany players know who they need to stop to be successful on Wednesday against UMBC.

Some in the Capital District may even remembers the name Chris De La Rosa.

De La Rosa played his freshman season at Siena College, and played in the 2008 NCAA Tournament against Vanderbilt and Villanova.

This season, De La Rosa is really playing well for the Retrievers, who are just 3-17 overall, but have won two of their last three games.

The 5-10 junior guard is averaging 17.0 points, 6.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game.

He leads the team in scoring and assists and is second behind forward Justin Fry in rebounds.

De La Rosa is second in the America East Conference in scoring, behind just Boston University star John Holland (19.2 ppg).

De La Rosa was just honored by the America East the player of the week, after averaging 17.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 6.5 assists in three games last week.

I had a chance to ask Siena coach Mitch Buonaguro about De La Rosa Tuesday afternoon.

"He's a talented player," Buonaguro said.