Auburn backup point guard Davion Mitchell is leaving the program.

"After doing my due diligence at Auburn, I have decided to further my academic interests and basketball goals elsewhere," Mitchell wrote in a message via Twitter on Thursday. "I want to thank coach Pearl and the Auburn family for the opportunity to play and embracing me and taking this young boy and shaping him into a young man. I want to thank coach Bruce Pearl and staff for their guidance and giving me the opportunity to make this decision. I wish the program nothing but success!!!! War Eagle."

Mitchell, who just completed his freshman season, averaged 3.7 points, 1.9 assists and 1.1 rebounds while playing 17.1 minutes per game off the bench last season. He developed into one of Auburn's better defenders but was ineffective running Auburn's offense as the primary point guard offensively.

"Davion is one of the most coachable players I've ever had," Auburn coach Bruce Pearl said in a statement. "He had a great freshman season at Auburn. We wish him well moving forward."

Mitchell's plus-135 efficiency rating was seventh among the nine players in Auburn's regular rotation.

His departure leaves Auburn with just Jared Harper on scholarship at point guard. Bryce Brown and Samir Doughty are also capable of playing the position but are natural shooting guards.

Great season! One of the hardest workers I know!!! Gave Auburn everything he had and no Davion slander will be tolerated💯 time to keep chasing greatness bro💪🏾 https://t.co/EzhBdvPkaO — Mustapha Heron (@Kingheron5) March 30, 2018

Following Auburn's loss to Clemson in the second round of the NCAA Tournament earlier this month, Mitchell felt he played "pretty OK" this season and was looking to improve on his shooting and decision-making.

"I could have done better," he said. "Everything happens for a reason. So I feel like I had a good role. Bruce Pearl is a good coach, Jared is a great point guard. ... Hopefully I get better next year so I can play more hopefully. Jared gets better. Nobody really knows what's really happening next year anyway."

James Crepea is an Auburn beat reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @JamesCrepea.