Mohamed Abukar, a senior at Rancho Bernardo High

School (San Diego, California) has been granted a

release from his National Letter of Intent with the

University of Georgia Men's Basketball program.

Abukar and his family met with Dennis Felton, the new

Head Coach of the University of Georgia on Sunday, and

was given a committment and pledge from Coach Felton

to support a full and complete release from his

National Letter of Intent.

"I am very happy to have this episode behind me. I

appreciate Coach Felton's cooperation in supporting my

efforts for a full and complete release from the

National Letter of Intent that I signed with the

University of Georgia. While I am saddened by the

events that have occurred at Georgia, I will always

root for the Bulldogs in my heart. I am excited to

explore and research my new options and opportunities,

and look forward to finding the right school to pursue

my educational and athletic goals," said Abukar today.

Abukar, a 6-10 forward, was a 1st Team All-State

selection by Calhisports.com as well as being named

the San Diego Player of the Year by the San Diego Hall

of Champions, North County Player of the Year by the

North County Times, and Palomar League Player of the

Year as selected by the league coaches. He is a

3-year varsity starter, and was San Diego's leading

scorer this year in averaging 28.7 points and 12.7

rebounds per game.

This past summer, Abukar was one of the youngest

members of the USA junior Olympic team that won a

Bronze medal in Venezuela. Among his teammates were

current college freshmen, Carmelo Anthony (Syracuse),

Chris Bosh (Georgia Tech), Dee Brown (Illinois), Andre

Igoudala (Arizona), Daniel Horton (Michigan), and

Antoine Wright (Texas A&M).

Abukar has also been invited to the 2003 Derek

Anderson Kentucky Derby Festival. Abukar will play in

this game on Saturday, April 26 at the University of

Louisville.

Abukar carries both the necessary core G.P.A. and SAT

score and is a full qualifier for college admission.