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Important news came down today involving two University of Texas student-athletes, news that affects the football and basketball programs.
First, the good news.
Desmond Harrison, the 6-10, 308 lb. offensive tackle and JUCO transfer is back on the field, practicing with the team. After missing two weeks of practice due to Brigham Young University’s decision to de-certify an independent studies class he took online while enrolled at Contra Costa Community College, and a subsequent appeal by The University of Texas, all looks like it has been worked out.
#Longhorns JUCO transfer Desmond Harrison has been cleared to return to the UT team and will practice today. More at http://t.co/TuILYGfSJV
— Chip Brown (@ChipBrownOB) August 20, 2013
According to reports it appears as if the class he took from BYU will indeed count, since it was used in conjunction with his graduation from Contra Costa Community College (and subsequently his AA degree was used to transfer to UT). This is fantastic news for Offensive Line Coach Stacey Searels and a team that will rely heavily on a stronger, more experienced offensive line to yield results this season.
And now the not so good news.
The Longhorn basketball program took another blow today as forward Ioannis Papapetrou will not return to Texas for his sophmore season after signing a professional contract with Euroleague champion Olympiakos B.C. Papapetrou recently played in the Euro Under-20 European Championships where he averaged 15.9 points per game for the Greek U-20 squad. Adding insult to injury, the University, along with members of the general public, found out about the signing via a tweet from Eurohoops.net:
The Austin American Statesman’s Mark Rosner confirmed the University’s lack of information on Papi’s signing via a tweet:
With Papapetrou’s departure, the Longhorns will have to turn to youth to have a successful season.
With Papapetrou’s departure, all 4 of Texas’ leaders in PPG last yr (each of whom were underclassmen) have either transferred or turned pro.
— Longhorn Network (@LonghornNetwork) August 20, 2013
In the off-season the Longhorns lost sophomore point guard Myck Kabongo after he declared for the NBA draft, and guards Sheldon McClellan and Julien Lewis decided to transfer from the program.
Papapetrou, originally from Athens, Greece averaged 8.3 points per game for the Longhorns last season.
