Andre Patterson has been dismissed from the school for academic
reasons, the Athletic Department said Thursday.
Whether the starting forward enrolls at another school to try to
get back into UCLA is still an open question, as is whether new
coach Ben Howland would give Patterson his scholarship back.
When his family was contacted Thursday night, they said they had
no knowledge of the situation and thought he was still at UCLA.
Patterson could not be reached for comment.
Patterson is no stranger to academic trouble. The sophomore, who
was declared academically ineligible to play for the Bruins during
fall quarter of 2002, had to enroll in Santa Monica City College to
get his grades up.
After raising his GPA, he earned his way back into UCLA in late
December.
Patterson played in 24 games for the Bruins during the 2002-2003
season, averaging 23.1 minutes, 7.5 points and a team-high 5.5
rebounds. He also led the Pac-10 in field goal percentage
(60.8).
If Patterson doesn’t return, it opens up a scholarship for
next season. Before the dismissal, there were no scholarships
available, a key point Howland made when talking about the
obstacles of turning the team around immediately.
On another note, junior T.J. Cummings, who was also believed to
be in academic trouble according to published reports, is still
enrolled at UCLA.
Sources inside the Athletic Department said he likely
won’t be dismissed from UCLA and can play his senior year if
he chooses to.
According to published reports, Cummings is considering
declaring for the NBA draft.
Cummings was the only player who didn’t attend
Howland’s introductory meeting last week, and he hasn’t
denied his interest in trying to go pro.