Grades are in: Patterson cannot play
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.
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