Texas Tech Transfer

NT03 · November 17, 2007

By BRANDON GEORGE / The Dallas Morning News

LUBBOCK – Texas Tech sophomore forward Decensae White met Friday morning with coach Bob Knight and is no longer on the men's basketball team, according to White's father, David.

David White said he and his son weren't happy with Decensae's playing time and how he was being used this season. White said he told his son to meet with Knight to try to iron out the problems.

"It was one of these situations where I wanted the kid to go in and fight and stand up for himself, and it turned out he got his release. The feeling was mutual as far as Decensae's departure," White said Friday night via phone from Pacifica, Calif. "I'm stunned to see the results of today's meeting. I'm sick to my stomach at this situation."

Tech men's basketball spokesman Randy Farley said Knight wasn't available for comment. However, head coach designate Pat Knight, Bob's son, did address the situation..

"He wanted to be removed. It was a mutual decision," Pat Knight said. "The kid is a good kid. It wasn't like he did anything bad. The kid didn't think things were working out, and we agreed with him. There are no hard feelings from us. If anyone calls, we'll recommend him."

Decensae (6-6, 215), from San Mateo (Calif.) Serra High School, played in 30 of 34 games last season (starting two), averaging 13.8 minutes per game. He averaged 4.5 points and 2.2 rebounds with 16 assists, 12 steals and 29 turnovers.

In Tech's season-opening win Nov. 10 against UC Riverside, Decensae played 23 minutes and had nine points on 3-for-10 shooting, two rebounds and three steals. Decensae started Wednesday in the Red Raiders' 56-54 loss at Sam Houston State and played 16 minutes, finishing with four points on 2-for-3 shooting, three rebounds and three turnovers.

David White, who attended the Sam Houston State game in Huntsville, said Knight didn't give his son a chance to speak Friday.

"My son said Coach Knight kept cutting him off when he tried to speak," White said. "He's holding him to a whole other level than his teammates.

"I've been a great fan of his since the '70s, from high school on up. I forced my son to go to Texas Tech because I thought it would be good for him. There was God and then there was Coach Knight as far as I was concerned. I don't have that same opinion at all for him any more. I'm devastated."

White said he's not sure whether his son will transfer to another school.

"All I would like is to get my son out of Dodge without being the focus of any issue," White said. "There is more to be revealed later. Whatever is hid in the dark will come to the light.

"I told him last year that this situation is going to get worse, but I tried my best to think in my mind that it would be better. The same stuff is happening. I can't talk about it any more."

Tech (1-1) hosts Stephen F. Austin at 11 a.m. today in Lubbock

Parents like this really piss me off , it's not them involved in the whole ordeal yet they are the ones on the phones talking to the reporters , like they feel they are the ones playing. I'm glad it didn't work out and that he's devastated... that's what you get for FORCING your son to go there in the 1st place.

Edited November 17, 2007 by NT03