BOZEMAN, Mont. — Montana State guard James Hennessy has decided to forgo his senior year of eligibility due to a knee injury.

"James was poised to have a big year for us this season, but had some tough breaks with a variety of injuries," said MSU coach Brad Huse. "He has been through so much physically, and unfortunately, there are no guarantees with his recent knee injury."

Huse said Hennessy suffered a career-ending injury 24 games into the 2008-09 season. He averaged 2.6 points per game and had 51 assists as a sophomore at MSU, and averaged 1.9 points and had 28 assists before being injured this season.

"He is a tremendous student and will stay at Montana State to finish his degree," Huse said. "James has been an outstanding representative of our program, and I wish him nothing but the best."

Hennessy, of Williston, N.D., averaged 10 points, 4.2 rebounds and 6.1 assists as a freshman at Williston State, helping the Tetons to a 22-12 record and a spot in the NJCAA National Championship tournament during the 2005-06 season. He missed the 2006-07 season with an injury.

Hennessy was named North Dakota's Mr. Basketball and the state's Gatorade player of the year as a senior at Williston High School.