By Terry Davis, Special to The New Tri-State Defender

Officially, there is no PANIC button that members of Tiger Nation can punch when it appears that the boat carrying the return-to-glory hopes for the University of Memphis Men’s basketball program springs a leak.

However, the figurative button got pretty much worn out on Wednesday.

Sophomore Dedric Lawson, who was the Tigers’ star, has left the building with his 19.2 scoring average and 9.9 rebounds. And his freshman brother, K.J. Lawson, is going out of the same door at the same time with his 12.3 points and 8.1 rebounds. They asked the university to release them from their scholarships for the purpose of transferring to another school

Insert your choice expression for “Oh No!” right here.

Head coach Tubby Smith addressed the stunning departures in a written statement.

Unfiltered, here is what Smith, had to say:

“After meeting with K.J., Dedric, and their parents this morning, I was informed that K.J. and Dedric were going to be asking for their release from the University. I am surprised and disappointed in the decision, as they had a strong year for us, and were a big part of our success during the season. We want to thank the Lawson family as a whole and appreciate what they have contributed to the program. My staff and I are completely committed to building a strong program that is in line with the storied history of Memphis Basketball.”

For many, the first word of the bombshell came via a social media post from K. J. Lawson.

“Dedric and I, along with our family would like to first thank The Univerisity of Memphis, the Men’s Basketball program, Coach Tubby Smith and Staff and above all Tiger Nation, for giving us the opportunity to play for Our Home Team. We are born and raised in Memphis, love the city with all of our hearts, however, we must do what is best for our future, our dreams, and our family so we plan to transfer from the university.

“While we have enjoyed our tenure here, the time has come for us to explore some new opportunities. It is for that reason that we are asking for a release from the University of Memphis Men’s Basketball program. We both understand and are aware of the rules and regulations regarding this decision, and we are fully prepared to comply with them. We would like to wish the school’s basketball program nothing but the best, in all of its future endeavors.

“Thank you to our family, the University of Memphis, our coaches past and present, teammates and Tigers Fans for all your support.

“Signed

“Dedric and KJ Lawson”

Keelon Lawson worked at Memphis as director of player development this season after spending two years as an assistant coach on former Memphis coach Josh Pastner’s staff. Memphis officials didn’t immediately respond to a message seeking clarification on Keelon Lawson’s current status with the program.

The departure of the Lawsons means four players from last year’s lacking-depth roster have left the program. Craig Randall and Chad Rykhoek decided to transfer immediately after the season. The Tigers have five available scholarships to offer for the 2017-18 campaign.

Meanwhile, Smith has been on the recruiting trail in search of junior college and graduate transfers to fill his roster. He has three returning players – Keon Clergeot, Markel Crawford and Jeremiah Martin – for his rebuilding campaign.

Smith did sign three players to early commitment papers in the fall and will try to fill his roster out in the next two months.

(The AP contributed to this story.)