Arizona to release signee Negedu

by Jeff Goodman

Updated: May 21, 2008, 12:17 PM EST 100 comments

"We don't want anyone here that doesn't want to be here," Wildcats coach Lute Olson told FOXSports.com.

Olson had heard the rumblings that the Brewster Academy (N.H.) standout wanted out of his letter-of-intent. He had a two-hour meeting with the athletic 6-foot-7 senior forward on Sunday morning in which Negedu expressed his desire to play elsewhere.

"Obviously, after I had the opportunity to meet with Emmanuel, we don't want to force a kid to come to Arizona if he doesn't want to be here," Olson added. "I just want him to go somewhere he'll be happy."

Negedu's concerns stem primarily from the fact that all three assistant coaches from a year ago are gone. Negedu's primary contact on the staff was Josh Pastner, who recently left for Memphis.

Olson said since it's a national letter-of-intent, Arizona athletic director Jim Livengood is working with the NCAA to release Negedu.

Brewster coach Jason Smith told FOXSports.com on Tuesday afternoon that the school sent a national letter-of-intent release request form, which has already been signed by Negedu.

Olson said he expects Negedu to look at two schools in particular — Indiana and Memphis.

Smith told FOXSports.com that Negedu will inform him of a list of a handful of schools.