Posted Thursday --- October 18, 2007 - 6:42pm

Michael Flowers, a senior guard for the University of Wisconsin men’s basketball team, is taking a temporary leave of absence from the team for medical reasons.

“The important thing is that Michael knows he has the support of his coaches and teammates,” UW head coach Bo Ryan said. “We hope that everyone will respect Michael’s privacy.”

Flowers started all 36 games for the Badgers last year, averaging 7.2 points and leading the team with 105 assists in 29.2 minutes per game. He also led the team with 58 steals and was named to the Big Ten’s All-Defensive Team.

Flowers and his family do not wish to comment at this time.

(UW Athletic Communications)