Micah Downs, a McDonald’s All-American and part of Kansas University men’s basketball coach Bill Self’s highly touted freshman class, on Tuesday announced his intention to leave KU and return home to Washington.

Downs, who didn’t practice Monday and flew home later that night, informed Self of his decision at 11 a.m. Tuesday by phone.

With his abrupt departure, Downs breached the letter of intent he signed before arriving at KU – a document that binds a school and a student-athlete for a year.

Given the unusual timing of Downs’ departure, he must sit out a year and quickly enroll as a full-time student at another school to be eligible to play in early 2007 – provided KU releases him from the letter of intent.

Self said there was no chance of Downs returning to the team. Team sources say Downs never jelled with his teammates and didn’t develop close friendships with other KU players.

Downs didn’t play in the Jayhawks’ 96-54 victory Saturday over Nebraska in Allen Fieldhouse. He averaged 4.3 points in 13 games with KU this season.