Sophomore checks out of Wildcats program

TUCSON, Ariz. -- Unhappy Arizona point guard Will Bynum was released at his own request Monday from his scholarship obligations.

With the release, the 5-foot-11 sophomore will be able to transfer to another school and be eligible for part of next season. Bynum is disgruntled because of his dwindling playing time this season for the second-ranked Wildcats.

Bynum reportedly was interested in Cincinnati and DePaul, near his native Chicago, as well as Mississippi State and Oklahoma State. His decision was expected after he refused to accompany the Wildcats to on a road trip last week.

He started nine of Arizona's 31 games last season, averaging 18.8 minutes. But that dropped to two starts and an average of 16.6 minutes this season.

The emergence of freshman point guard Chris Rodgers, whom coach Lute Olson considers a better defender, cut into Bynum's playing time, and he saw little opportunity at shooting guard because of the return of starter Salim Stoudamire and the strong play of freshman Hassan Adams.

Bynum averaged 7.8 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.5 assists in eight games this season, up from 6.4 points, 1.5 rebounds and 1.4 assists as a freshman.

AP NEWS
The Associated Press News Service

Copyright 2003, The Associated Press, All Rights Reserved