Georgia Tech center Dickey leaves for Europe

ATLANTA - Georgia Tech center Ra'Sean Dickey has given up his senior season to play professionally in the Ukraine.

Coach Paul Hewitt said Wednesday the 6-foot-10 Dickey signed a contract with Budivelnyk Kiev of the Ukrainian Super League. He redshirted last season to recover from acute tendinitis in his right knee and had a year of eligibility remaining.

``Ra'Sean and his family have decided that the time is right for him to begin his professional basketball career, and we wish him all the best,'' Hewitt said.

Dickey played in 89 games over three seasons, averaging 8.7 points and 5.1 rebounds while shooting 60.1 percent from the field. His best season was 2005-06, when he averaged 13.2 points and 6.8 rebounds.

The Yellow Jackets were 15-17 last season, including 7-9 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.