April 13, 2010

PITTSBURGH - Duquesne University head men's basketball coach Ron Everhart announced today that center Oliver Lewinson (Payson, Ariz./Payson) and guard/forward Melquan Bolding (Mount Vernon, N.Y./Notre Dame (Mass.) Prep) have been released from their scholarships clearing their way to transfer following spring semester.

"As I do at the conclusion of every season, I had individual meetings with all of our players," said Everhart. "During my meeting with Ollie, it was mutually agreed that he would be better able to pursue his goals by looking into other opportunities. Melquan also asked to be released and we honored his request. I'd like to thank them for their contributions to the Duquesne basketball program and I wish them the best."

In addition, sophomore Morakinyo Williams (Solihull, England/Bishop Ireton), who is on schedule to graduate this summer, has announced plans to forego his remaining eligibility.

Lewinson, a 6-9 sophomore, played in 38 games in two seasons including 13 in 2009-10. He averaged 0.8 points and 1.4 rebounds per game for his career.

Bolding, a member of the 2008-09 Atlantic 10 All-Rookie Team, played in 19 games with 11 starts this season. The 6-3 sophomore suffered a fractured wrist in the opener against Nicholls State and missed 13 games while recovering from Nov. 17 surgery. He averaged 11.8 points and 3.9 rebounds in 2009-10. Bolding, who started 29 of 34 games as a freshman, averaged 10.5 points 4.2 rebounds in 26.4 minutes per game for his career.

Williams, a 7-foot, 270-pound transfer from Kentucky, averaged 2.0 points and 2.3 rebounds in 22 games for the Dukes this season.

"Overall, I was pleased with the individual meetings," said Everhart whose teams have averaged 16 wins over his four seasons at Duquesne. "We had a chance to review this past season and also outline some team goals for 2010-11. Our returning players are committed to improving and I'm confident they will approach the off-season with a renewed focus."