Another Big School Casualty

[Cooley]

UT forward Dowell to transfer

10:04 PM CST on Monday, December 19, 2005

By CHIP BROWN / The Dallas Morning News

AUSTIN – Sophomore forward Dion Dowell has elected to transfer, coach Rick Barnes announced Monday.

"Dion voiced concerns about his playing time now and in the future within our program, and he feels he'll have a better opportunity to make that happen at another school," Barnes said. "We wish Dion all the best in the future."

Dowell (6-6, 205), who has withdrawn from school effective immediately, had played in three games this season and averaged 3.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15.3 minutes per contest. He missed seven games because of an injured right ankle sustained in practice Nov. 18. Dowell returned Saturday and played 14 minutes in a loss to Tennessee.

Dowell played in 19 games as a freshman, making seven starts and averaging 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in an average of 10.4 minutes per game.

UT fell to No. 15 from No. 6 after Saturday's loss to Tennessee. The Longhorns (8-2) play at home Thursday against Texas State (1-7).