Douglas Leaving Arizona

Sophomore guard Ruben Douglas, who just four days earlier had said he would stay at Arizona, has decided to leave the Wildcats basketball program.

Douglas was absent from last week's exhibition game, prompting speculation that he planned to transfer to another school.

After two meetings with head coach Lute Olson, Douglas said Wednesday he would remain a Wildcat.

But on Sunday, the school announced Douglas has been granted his release from his scholarship.

The 6-foot-4 Douglas, who started 14 games and averaged eight points per game last season, will continue his course work for the rest of the fall semester before transferring to another school.

"We are disappointed," Olson said. "We feel he gave up on himself a little bit early."

Douglas, from Altadena, Calif., was involved in an intense battle with freshman Gilbert Arenas for the starting off-guard position.

Arenas was the leading scorer with 16 points in Arizona's 96-44 victory over a Lithuania pro team a week ago. He had 11 points and eight rebounds in an 86-83 victory over the California All-Stars here Sunday.

"I am shocked," Arenas said. "We need him. I need him. I'm new out there and I need somebody to help me so I don't make freshman mistakes."

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