Evan Burns, the UCLA men’s basketball team’s prized
recruit and a McDonald’s All-American, will not be enrolling
at the university after failing to qualify academically, according
to a UCLA statement released Sept. 10.
Burns, a 6-foot-8, 220-pound forward, did not meet NCAA initial
eligibility requirements after signing a national letter of intent
in April to play at UCLA. He averaged 22.7 points and 10.5 rebounds
per game for Fairfax High in Los Angeles.
“Evan Burns is a talented young man who has a very bright
future in basketball,” UCLA head coach Steve Lavin said in a
statement. “Our staff wishes him well in his future academic
and athletic career.”
“He’s one of the most talented freshmen we’ve
ever had,” UCLA assistant coach Jim Saia said in July.
“He’s a pretty special player.
“He’ll have the opportunity to start, but it’s
up to Coach Lavin. If he doesn’t start, he’ll
definitely get substantial minutes.”
Last year, Michael Fey also failed to gain academic eligibility
after signing a letter of intent. The 6-foot-11 center, who
eventually re-signed a letter intent and achieved qualifying test
scores, is now expected to play for UCLA this season.
Fey and 6-foot-8 forward Matt McKinney will now represent this
year’s recruiting class. Marcedes Lewis, a 6-foot-6 freshman
forward on a UCLA football scholarship, is also expected to join
the team.
Burns, who has been playing pickup games at UCLA this summer,
will pursue opportunities at another school, according to the UCLA
coaching staff.