MANHATTAN (AP) — Kansas State guard Cariter Diarra is leaving the basketball program with the intention of turning professional. 

Diarra is leaving open the option of transferring to another school for his senior season. 

Wildcats coach Bruce Weber says in a statement Thursday that his leading primary ball-handler and second-leading scorer will graduate this spring. That would allow Diarra to play elsewhere next season without having to redshirt. 

Diarra was often seen at odds with Weber during a difficult season in Manhattan though both brushed off their verbal spats as simply heat-of-the-moment situations.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/1/1578762599002.jpeg" alt="Cartier Diarra is leaving the K-State basketball program. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a>" />
 <figcaption>Cartier Diarra is leaving the K-State basketball program. Photo courtesy <a href="http://kstatesports.com">kstatesports.com</a></figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN (AP) — Kansas State guard Cariter Diarra is leaving the basketball program with the intention of turning professional. Diarra is leaving open the option of transferring to another school for his senior season. Wildcats coach Bruce Weber says in a statement Thursday that his leading primary ball-handler and second-leading scorer will graduate this spring. That would allow Diarra to play elsewhere next season without having to redshirt. Diarra was often seen at odds with Weber during a difficult season in Manhattan though both brushed off their verbal spats as simply heat-of-the-moment situations.

Diarra leaving K-State, plans to go pro