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Dawkins Receives Release; Intends To Play For Father At Central Florida

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball head coach John Beilein announced today (Thursday, April 6) that sophomore Aubrey Dawkins was granted his release from the program. Dawkins intends to transfer to the University of Central Florida and play for his father, newly hired head coach Johnny Dawkins.

"While we certainly did not wish for this to happen, it is quite understandable," said Beilein. "I was able to coach my son and see him grow as a person and player and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Aubrey is a wonderful and thoughtful young man who has a bright future in front of him. We wish him well."

"This was not an easy decision, however, the chance to play for my father is a special opportunity for me and my family," said Dawkins. "Coach (John) Beilein and Michigan took a chance on me and that is something I will never forget. I want to thank all the coaches, staff and especially the U-M fans for making my time in Ann Arbor truly special. Go Blue."

In his two seasons in Ann Arbor, Dawkins started 22 of 66 games, averaging 6.7 points and 2.3 rebounds. After garnering U-M's Rudy Tomjanovich Most Improved Player honor as a freshman, this past season he became the Wolverines' "Sixth-Man" and played in all 36 games.

He highlighted his two-year tenure with a career-best 31 points against Rutgers (March 7, 2015). He nearly tied the program record for three-pointers in a game as he drained eight against the Scarlet Knights. For his career, he shot 43.9 percent from long range, knocking down 83 -- 39 as a freshman and 44 this past season.

Due to NCAA transfer rules, Dawkins will have to sit out the 2016-17 season before becoming eligible. He will have two years of eligibility remaining.

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