THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 3, 1996 TAG: 9605030696
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C7 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY FRANK VEHORN, STAFF WRITER ACC NOTES
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
University of Virginia freshman basketball player Courtney Alexander is so tired of replying to transfer rumors that he has issued a public statement to deny them.
``I don't know why people want to spread these rumors,'' said Alexander, who made the All-ACC freshmen team last season. ``I have never expressed any thought in wanting to leave here.''
The rumors began last winter when Alexander, despite starting most of the games, felt he wasn't getting enough playing time.
They cropped up again when one of his close friends, Adrian Burnim, left the football team, and another friend, basketball recruit Melvin Whitaker, was arrested.
Alexander admits he struggled during the first part of the season before adjusting to college life, on and off the court.
``It was harder than I thought,'' said Alexander who averaged 13.9 points on 48.7 percent shooting from the field and 51.4 percent from 3-point range.
MORE WAHOO: Virginia fans may get more good news shortly.
Recruiting sources say 6-foot-9 Kris Hunter puts the Cavaliers at the top of the list of schools he is considering.
The Cavaliers also hope to sign 6-foot-9 Craig McAndrew, an Australian who visits the campus this weekend.
HEADING SOUTH: Virginia freshman Scott Johnson, who left the team after being suspended for off-court problems, reportedly is transferring to the University of South Florida.
DUNCAN STAYING: Wake Forest coach Dave Odom says star center Tim Duncan has not officially told him that he's staying in school for his senior year, but all indications point that way.
Duncan will attend summer school and already has enrolled for some fall classes.
HEELS TALK: Things can change, of course, but North Carolina freshman star Antwan Jamison says he wants to play all four years for the Tar Heels.
``I know most people don't believe it, but I really do want to stay for four years,'' Jamison said.
FOOTBALL: Virginia wide receiver and kickoff returner Pete Allen of Norfolk has signed a free-agent contract with Atlanta. Other Cavaliers signing free-agent deals are offensive tackle Chris Harrison (Detroit), offensive tackle Jason Augustino, tight end Bobby Neely (Chicago) and defensive back Percy Ellsworth (New York Giants). . . . Clemson has given sophomore running back Lamont Pegues a release from his scholarship, and he may enroll at Virginia Tech. Pegues, a Super Prep All-American, was Clemson's leading rusher as a freshman but lost his starting job last year to Raymond Priester. ILLUSTRATION: Photo
Courtney Alexander averaged 13.9 points.
by CNB