UCLA transfer joins Hoop Vols

UCLA transfer Andre Patterson has joined the Vol basketball team and will begin classes later today.

A 6-foot-7 forward, Patterson will sit out this season, then be eligible for the 2004-05 and 2005-06 seasons. He averaged 7.5 points and 5.5 rebounds per game as a UCLA sophomore before leaving the program due to academic deficiencies.

The arrival of Patterson helps soften the recent loss of two in-state prep stars -- Portland's 6-8, 170-pound Cory Brewer and Memphis' 6-7, 225-pound Shawne Williams. Brewer picked Florida over UT and Williams opted for the University of Memphis.

Vol head man Buzz Peterson has now landed three transfers in the past two seasons. Previously signed were Memphis transfer Scooter McFadgon and Clemson transfer Jemere Hendrix. Both sat out the 2002-03 season and will be eligible this winter.