COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) South Carolina coach Dave Odom said Monday that one of his recruits for next season, 6-foot-8 Alassane Savadogo, has been released from the national letter of intent he signed last November.<br>
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Odom said in a statement released by the school that Savadogo's commitment was ended by mutual agreement.<br>
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``It's unfortunate that Alassane will not be attending Carolina this fall,'' Odom said. ``Since his signing, his situation has changed somewhat and it is best that he pursue other options.''<br>
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Savadogo is a native of the west African nation of Burkina Faso. He had averaged 8 points and 8 rebounds in 2003-04 at Gulf Coast Community College. The school said Savadogo had picked the Gamecocks over Auburn, Ohio State and Pittsburgh.<br>
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Odom said Savadogo was a ``fine young man and I remain available to help him as he desires.''<br>
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(Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
