Sophomores Deonte Burton and John Dawson are planning to leave Marquette after the fall semester concludes Dec. 14. Marquette confirmed the news via Twitter.

“Deonte Burton & John Dawson departing #mubb program at conclusion of semester/finals week (Dec. 14) & will transfer,” the tweet from the men’s basketball program said.

Both players were not getting many minutes in new head coach Steve Wojciechowski’s rotation. Burton averaged only 16.1 minutes in the team’s eight games, while Dawson played only four minutes in the season opener against UT-Martin. The departures will leave Marquette with just eight eligible players the rest of the season.

Sophomore transfer center Luke Fischer will be eligible to play in Marquette’s next game Dec. 16 against Arizona State.

“We appreciate all that Deonte and John have contributed to the program since our staff arrived in April,” Wojciechowski said in a press release. “We will do everything we can to help them make the next step in their respective careers and wish them nothing but the best in the future.”

Dawson’s departure makes sense, as he could not find a role in an already crowded backcourt, but Burton’s absence is more puzzling. Burton exhibited plenty of offensive talent in his freshman season under Buzz Williams. The reason for his lack of playing time probably came down to the defensive side of the floor.

The Golden Eagles will debut the thinner roster next Tuesday against the Sun Devils at the BMO Harris Bradley Center.