Starting point guard leaves Lady Vols

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Copyright 2005 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ? Sa’de Wiley-Gatewood, starting point guard for top-ranked Tennessee, has decided to leave school, the university announced Monday.

Wiley-Gatewood, a sophomore, was averaging 8 points, 2 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game. Last year she averaged 3.9 points.

“She didn’t feel like she could play her game here,” coach Pat Summitt said. “We hate to see her leave the Lady Vol family, program and university. I hope she can find great success with her basketball career, academics and life.”

In a statement released by the school, Wiley-Gatewood said, “I want to thank everyone at Tennessee ? my coaches and teammates, the athletic and academic departments, the fans and the boosters ? I really appreciate all of their support.”

She also said Summitt helped her “to improve as a player and to grow as a person.”

Wiley-Gatewood had started eight of nine games this season and was the team’s fourth-leading scorer. She averaged 26 minutes each game.