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USF's Akol Leaving School, Hoops Team

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By BRETT McMURPHY | The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 25, 2008

TAMPA University of South Florida freshman forward Teeng Akol, who began summer classes last month, must leave USF for academic reasons.

The 6-foot-11 Akol is USF's second basketball recruit in the last month that signed with the school, but was not able to attend because of academics. Last year, USF implemented an academic committee that must approve a recruit's academic standing before he can sign with the school, but Akol already had been admitted.

Fatah Muraisi, Akol's adviser, said he participated in meetings with USF coach Stan Heath and USF faculty about Akol.

"It [academics] was a part of the decision," Muraisi said "Am I aggravated [he wasn't allowed to attend USF], yes? It was not Stan's [decision], it was not Teeng's, it's above them.

"I'm not a happy person. I'm not a happy camper because I told Teeng USF has the academic support you need. The athletic side was trying the best they could. It's frustrating. It's a shocker to me."

Muraisi said Akol initially chose USF over West Virginia, Oklahoma, Xavier and Southern Illinois.

"Unfortunately, USF was not the right fit for me and I have to move on," Akol said in a statement.

The loss of Akol leaves six incoming recruits for USF.

Reporter Brett McMurphy can be reached at (813) 259-7928 or bmcmurphy@tampatrib.com

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