The Melbourne Tigers have today agreed to release import guard Ayinde Ubaka.

Signed on the eve of the NBL season to replace American Stephen Dennis, who ruptured his Achilles tendon, Ubaka is returning to the United States for personal reasons.

It is an unfortunate situation for the Tigers and Ubaka, who the team noted has been a model professional.

“Chewy came in late and worked hard to give us what we wanted, but his circumstances mean he needs to leave,” Tigers coach Chris Anstey said. “We respect his situation.

“I know Chewy is disappointed to be leaving because he loves his teammates and they love him. He has been an excellent teammate and fitted in really well with this group.”

In seven games for the Tigers this season, Ubaka averaged just 5.3 ppg at 31.8 per cent from the field, down from NBL career numbers of 13.5 ppg at 39.9 per cent.

In his final appearance for the Tigers in the 88-85 win over the Cairns Taipans on Saturday night, Ubaka had seven points in almost 25 minutes.

Knowing there was a possibility of Ubaka leaving, the Tigers have been looking to find a replacement. The team hopes to finalise the signing of a new import within the next 48 hours. 

A subsequent announcement will be made as to who the replacement player is in due course. 

The Tigers (4-3) play the Townsville Crocodiles (2-4) at The Cage on Sunday, they then travel to New Zealand to take on the Breakers in Auckland.