CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va. (AP) -Laurynas Mikalauskas, one of the more popular players at the University of Virginia, was dismissed from the team by coach Dave Leitao on Monday, while he announced that Tunji Soroye will return next season.
Leitao said that Mikalauskas, a 6-foot-8 native of Lithuania, is no longer a member of the team because he has not lived up to the standards set by the program. Leitao said he will not elaborate.
Mikalauskas played in just 20 games last season because of injuries, but averaged 7.1 points and 3.5 rebounds. He shot 65.4 percent from the field and was usually greeted by fans with a rousing welcome.
The 6-11 Soroye, native of Nigeria, played in two games last season because of an injury and applied for a medical hardship waiver that was granted. He averaged 1.5 points and 2.7 rebounds in 81 career games.
Virginia was 17-16 last season, 5-11 in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
