Official: Bolding, Lewinson, Williams gone

By Colin Dunlap | 6:31 p.m. Tuesday

What was first reported in Saturday's Post-Gazette became official this evening, as Duquesne men's basketball coach Ron Everhart announced center Oliver Lewinson and swingman Melquan Bolding have been released from their scholarships clearing their way to transfer following spring semester. In addition, sophomore Morakinyo Williams who is on schedule to graduate this summer, will forego his remaining eligibility.

"As I do at the conclusion of every season, I had individual meetings with all of our players," Everhart said. "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."

Lewinson, a 6-foot-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, whose transfer comes as a surprise to many, was 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."