Jesse Woodard, Colorado State’s fifth-leading scorer as a true freshman, is leaving the men’s basketball team, coach Tim Miles announced Thursday.
“After meeting with Jesse at the conclusion of the season, I felt he would be better served in another program,” Miles said. “We wish Jesse all the best in his future endeavors.”
Miles declined to comment further, other than saying he believed Woodard was academically eligible to return to school. Woodard did not immediately return calls.
Woodard, a 6-foot-1 guard, played in all but one game, averaging 18.2 minutes and 5.2 points. The Compton (Calif.) Centennial H.S. product signed in the fall of his senior year with former coach Dale Layer.
CSU’s NCAA Academic Progress Report score of 865 for men’s basketball was well below the NCAA target of 925 for the year ending in June 2007. And CSU forfeited two scholarships last year. Miles said even with Woodard’s departure, the program is on track to exceed 925 for the 2007-08 academic year.
Miles hasn’t decided whether to use the scholarship for immediate help or bank it for the 2009 fall class.
Natalie Meisler, The Denver Post
