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Forwards Alandise Harris, Kirk Van Slyke to leave Houston program

Alandise Harris, Gabriel McCulley

Houston forward Alandise Harris (2) drives around UTEP forward Gabriel McCulley (23) during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game in Houston, Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Levey)

AP

According to Sam Khan of the Houston Chronicle, sophomore forward Alandise Harris and junior forward Kirk Van Slyke have requested to be released from their scholarships at Houston.

Harris, who was second on the team in scoring with an average of 13.3 points per game, would like to finish out his career closer to his hometown of Little Rock, Arkansas.

“This is a decision based on my family and my need to be closer to home,” Harris said in a statement according to the Chronicle. “I want to thank coach Dickey and the coaching staff for their work with me on and off the court.

“I also want to thank the university, the city and the Cougar fans for the way they embraced me during my two years with the program. I wish all my teammates good luck.”

Van Slyke averaged 5.9 points and 11.6 minutes per game this season, with his playing time dropping as the season progressed. The junior from The Woodlands, Texas missed the season finale against UTEP with a sprained ankle.

With the spring signing period beginning on Wednesday (and an open evaluation weekend from the 20th-22nd), look for James Dickey and his staff to be out in search of a couple players to fill these openings.

The additions of Danuel House and Chicken Knowles will definitely help offset the loss of Harris, but Houston could likely look to add another big man or two (center Valentine Izundu is a verbal commitment).

Raphielle is also the assistant editor at CollegeHoops.net and can be followed on Twitter at @raphiellej.