<a href='http://www.indystar.com/articles/5/233357-7145-P.html' target='_blank'>Indy Star Article</a>
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- Patrick Ewing Jr. complained privately to friends and family during the season that he didn't feel he was getting enough playing time on the Indiana University basketball team.
And with the Hoosiers upgrading at his position next season, Ewing apparently felt it wasn't going to get any better.
Patrick Ewing Jr.
Ewing, a 6-8, 215-pound sophomore from Marietta, Ga., asked to be released from his scholarship earlier this week and that request was granted by the IU athletic department. Ewing will transfer to a yet to be determined school, sit out one season, and then have two years of eligibility remaining.
Sharon Campbell, Ewing's mother, confirmed that playing time was the major issue. Ewing played in all 29 games for IU this season, averaging 16 minutes per game. He made five starts and averaged 4.0 points and 3.8 rebounds per game.
Next season, Ewing's role could have been diminished. With 6-8 Auburn transfer Marco Killingsworth joining D.J. White on the front line, and 6-10 freshman Ben Allen from Australia on the way, it was unclear what Ewing's role was going to be.
With a scholarship available, IU is expected to bring in another point guard for next year. The top candidate is 5-11 Shaun Davis from the College of Southern Idaho, which placed third in the national junior college tournament in Hutchinson, Kan., last week. Davis averaged 9.8 points and 4.8 assists. For the season, he had 144 assists and 53 turnovers.
"I've already given IU my verbal commitment and I'm looking forward to getting out there this summer and establishing myself with the other players," said Davis, who under NCAA rules cannot sign before April 13.
Ewing told IU coach Mike Davis of his decision earlier this week.
"Pat is an exceptional athlete with a lot of potential, and we're disappointed to see him go," Mike Davis said in a statement. "We wish him nothing but the best."
But it wasn't only lack of playing time that factored into Ewing's decision. Campbell also cited Indiana's style of play.
"Indiana has a different style of game," Campbell said. "Patrick is a runner. He likes to run, he likes to fast break. And Patrick at this particular time was not fitting into their style. I don't know that they won't ever have a set running game."
Campbell said her son reached his decision a few days after IU completed its season with a 67-60 loss to Vanderbilt in the first round of the National Invitation Tournament.
As for where Ewing will play his final two seasons, Campbell said that decision had yet to be made.
Asked if Georgetown was a possibility, the school where NBA great Patrick Ewing -- the younger Ewing's father -- went to college, Campbell didn't hesitate.
"I don't ever think Georgetown is not a possibility," Campbell said.
Attempts to reach Ewing were unsuccessful. He said in a statement released by the school that he was thankful for the opportunity to play at IU.
"I would like to thank coach Davis for the chance to play at a storied program like Indiana, and I appreciate how coach Davis and the other coaches worked with me both on and off the court," Ewing said. "I've spent a lot of time with my family and given this decision a lot of thought, and I feel it is in my best interests to pursue my education and basketball career at another school."
Call Star reporter Terry Hutchens at (317) 444-6469.
|
