Men’s basketball adds size, hopes for Asprilla’s return

By: Jonathan Davila / Staff Writer
Golden Panthers men’s basketball head coach Isiah Thomas signed his first big man on May 20, continuing his trend of signing players from junior community colleges by inking a forward from a Texas college.

Kavon Lytch, a six-foot-seven power forward, signed with the Golden Panthers, according to FIU Athletics.

The undersized four-man spent his sophomore season at Midland College in Midland, Tex. after playing for Redlands Community College in El Reno, Okla. his freshman year.

During the 2008-09 season, he averaged 21.7 minutes a game for Midland College. He led his team in scoring with 17.7 points a game and 9.3 rebounds per game. The 240-pound Brooklyn, N.Y. native shot 66 percent from the field, which equaled his shooting percentage from the free throw line.

## STILL IN QUESTION

Sophomore center Freddy Asprilla is still living in his native country of Colombia after requesting a release from his scholarship.

A student-athlete has the right to request a release when a head coach is changed, according to athletics.

But athletics has not granted Asprilla his release, and Thomas is hoping to get the big man back on the block after he averaged 13.7 points with 9.2 rebounds a game and was named the Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year last season.

Asprilla can still appeal athletics’ decision to not grant him a release, but the six-foot-ten big man has not done so yet.

Thomas said he spoke to Asprilla earlier this summer.

“Let’s give it some time. I do understand his emotions. I told him ‘The door is always open here.'” said Thomas in an interview with Student Media on May 8.