— The North Carolina State University basketball team will be without two key pieces in 2016-17 after the school announced Thursday that sophomore wingmen Cody and Caleb Martin will transfer.

The Martin twins, natives of Mocksville, N.C., combined to start 35 games for the Wolfpack in the 2015-16 season. Caleb finished fourth on the team in scoring, averaging 11.5 points per game. Cody averaged 6 points per game.

“Through a series of honest, thoughtful and somewhat surprising conversations we have had in the days since our season ended, Caleb and Cody have informed me of their desire to explore options that they believe are in both of their best interests,” N.C. State head coach Mark Gottfried said in a statement.

“While I don’t share all of their views, I have certainly come to understand and respect the unique dynamic and special bond that exists between identical twins, especially when they play the same sport for the same team. I enjoyed coaching them over the past two years."

The twins both issued statements about their decision.

“We wanted to say thank you to WPN and all of the great memories that will be with us forever, but we think it is best for us to move on,” said Caleb Martin. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunity to play at such a great school, and we will forever be thankful.”

Cody Martin thanked coaches for giving the pair a chance to play at N.C. State.

“I want to thank my teammates, and I wish nothing but the best for them, the coaching staff and this program. We also want to thank the fans of WPN for all the support they have given both of us. It definitely was not an easy decision for us, but we feel that is best that we move on. We will forever be grateful," Cody Martin said in a statement.

With the Martins gone and junior point guard Cat Barber announcing Tuesday that he will forego his senior season and remain in the NBA Draft, Gottfried and his staff will have several holes to fill ahead of next season.

N.C. State does return several options at the wing, including Maverick Rowan, Shaun Kirk, Terry Henderson and transfer Torin Dorn. Dennis Smith Jr., a top-ranked recruit from Fayetteville, will also be available in the backcourt.