CINCINNATI, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Senior guard Dave Young has been dismissed from the men's basketball team at Xavier University.
Head coach Thad Matta announced the dismissal Monday.
Young, who was ineligible to play as a freshman, played in 66 games in his three seasons at Xavier, including 32 starts. He averaged 5.1 points and 2.3 rebounds in 15.2 minutes per game this season.
He lost his starting job after Xavier lost at Stanford, 63-62, in the second round of the Preseason NIT.
"There were clearly some differences in philosophy about his role in our program," said Matta. "We have offered to help him if he decides to pursue other opportunities, whether academically here at Xavier or elsewhere. Dave is on track to graduate in May and we will support him in his efforts to complete his degree. I discussed this decision with the players and staff. We're all in agreement that this is in the best interest of the team. We're moving on now and always in constant pursuit of building our team from the beginning of the season to the end of the year."
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported Tuesday that Young, a native of New Castle, Pa., did not commit on a fifth year of eligibility next season, and was among a core of players griping about their lack of playing time.
Young is the second player to leave the team since the season began.
Anthony Coleman, a sophomore forward, quit Dec. 19 after appearing in five games. Coleman averaged 0.6 points and 1.0 rebounds in 6.8 minutes per game.
Despite the player losses, Matta was not worried.
"Nothing really changes (without Coleman and Young)," Matta told the Cincinnati Post. "We just keep doing what we're doing."
The Musketeers host No. 18 and unbeaten Creigton Tuesday night, and plays at top-ranked Alabama Saturday.
