ESPN Men's Basketball

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue forward Chris Booker was ruled academically ineligible Tuesday and will miss the rest of his senior season.

Booker was awaiting a grade and had been held out of the Boilermakers' games since Dec. 21.

In a statement released through the athletic department, Booker said he completed the classwork last week but did not receive a grade that would have kept him eligible.

"I regret how things turned out for my teammates, coaches and the fans," he said. "I'm still close with my teammates and will be their biggest supporter for the rest of the season."

Booker will keep his scholarship and has continued attending classes.

Booker started six games this year and averaged 9.4 points and 5.6 rebounds for the Boilermakers (14-6, 4-3).

"It's unfortunate for Chris and his teammates, but we've got to move on as a team," coach Gene Keady said in a statement. "Chris will always be a part of this basketball family, and we will continue to do whatever we can to help him in his future endeavors."

The Boilermakers visit Penn State on Wednesday and could be without guard Kenneth Lowe, who hurt his left elbow last week in a 63-58 loss at Indiana. Lowe missed Saturday's 65-59 loss to Ohio State.

Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press