auburn losing another player

[B M]

AUBURN -- Auburn rising senior point guard Lewis Monroe has requested and received his release from Auburn University, head basketball coach Jeff Lebo announced Thursday.

The Madison, Wis., native will have to sit out one full year if he transfers to another Div. I school and will then be eligible to play in the 2005-06 season with one year of eligibility remaining.

?It?s tough losing a player at this time of the year because it is very difficult to replace them,? Lebo said.  ?I believe in certain things that are important in a basketball program.  We continue to want to build the program with players that believe in the future of Auburn basketball.  Lewis is doing what he believes is best for himself.?

The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Monroe started 14 of 17 games as a junior last year and averaged 6.1 points and a team-best 3.6 assists per game while shooting 37 percent from the field, 33 percent from 3-point range and 74 percent from the foul line.  He scored a career-high 17 points at No. 11 Mississippi State.  

?I felt that it is best for me to leave,? Monroe said.  ?A lot of the people I came in with are gone.  I definitely enjoyed the people and my time at Auburn.  It has nothing to do with the current coaches.  They have been real nice to me and told me to do what is best for me.  I just want to try something else.?

Monroe has not indicated where he will transfer


		
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