Collin Dennis Asks for Release

Tampa, Fla. – Sophomore Collin Dennis has asked for his release from the University of South Florida men’s basketball program and will not return for the 2006-07 campaign, head coach Robert McCullum announced Friday evening.

“We appreciate Collin’s contributions to the program the past two seasons,” McCullum said. “While we are certainly disappointed with his decision, we wish him the best of luck with his future endeavors.”

A two-year letterwinner who was entering his junior season next fall, Dennis battled injuries during his tenure in Tampa. He averaged 4.4 points and 1.2 rebounds in 2005-06, but missed 13 games because of an ankle injury. The North Richland Hills, Texas, native contributed 6.6 points and 1.6 rebounds in 27 appearances as a freshman (2004-05).

For his career, Dennis averaged 5.8 points, 1.4 rebounds and 1.1 assists while shooting 32.4 percent from the field and 28.9 percent from behind the 3-point line.

“I am hoping to move to a program closer to home,” Dennis said. “Hopefully at a school in Texas.”

Despite the loss of Dennis, the USF backcourt is expected to be the deepest since the arrival of McCullum in 2003-04. Returnees Chris Capko and Chris Howard, along with newcomers Solomon Bozeman, Dante Curry, Amu Saaka and Jesus Verdejo, give the Bulls a number of possible combinations at the guard positions.