Negedu Asks Out of Letter of Intent from UA

As first reported by the Tucson Citizen and Gary Parrish of CBSSports.com, Arizona recruit Emmanuel Negedu wants out of his letter of intent to play for the Wildcats next season. "Everyone makes a decision in life; this is my decision," the 6-7 Negedu said. "I'm going to stick with it." With the future status of head coach Lute Olson in question after his leave of absence this past season, as well as the loss of all three assistant coaches who were on staff when he signed, Negedu was no longer comfortable with his decision. "There have been so many changes that I feel they've lied to me all along about the situation," he said. "Everything has changed a lot since I've signed down there. I can't take it no more."

If Olson lets him out of his letter of intent, he said he plans on looking at schools right away. If not, he said he is likely to return to Brewster Academy for another season, although he would rather not take that route. "What can I prove by going back to high school for one more year? Nothing," Negedu said. "I've got nothing to prove. I had a great season. We won everything. I was the MVP of the league. I was the Gatorade Player of the Year. What do I have to prove in high school anymore? Nothing. I'm just ready to go to college . . . but I do not picture myself at Arizona anymore. I just want my release." Negedu, an athletic power forward, is ranked as the No. 40 recruit in the country by Rivals.com.