Deng Goes in Search of a Fresh Start

12/22/2000 12:00:00 AM | Men's Basketball

HARTFORD, Conn. -- Junior Ajou Deng (London, England) has dropped off the University of Connecticut Men's Basketball team, according to an announcement by Connecticut head coach Jim Calhoun Friday afternoon at the Hartford Civic Center.

Deng, a 6-10 forward, appeared in the first six games for the Huskies in the 2000-2001 season, averaging 4.8 points and 4.7 rebounds per game. In his Husky career, Deng played in 41 games, earning 12 starts. He averaged 4.6 points and 3.7 rebounds per game while also recording 53 blocked shots.

"Ajou and I spoke at length both Thursday evening and again Friday afternoon," said Calhoun. "He loves Connecticut and he loves his teammates, but he also believes he needs a fresh start. I told him we would help him find a new home and we will begin that process immediately. Ajou is a terrific young man and our best wishes will follow him wherever he goes in the future."