UCLA-Bound Power Forward to Enroll at Fullerton Instead

Carl Pitts, a 6-foot 8-inch power forward who was released from a letter of intent at UCLA Monday, says he will enroll at Cal State Fullerton.

Pitts, a two-time All-State selection at Trade Tech, averaged 24 points and 15 rebounds and led Trade Tech to a 24-6 record last season.

UCLA released Pitts from his commitment because he had failed to meet admission requirements, but the Associate of Arts degree he earned at Trade Tech is enough for admission to Fullerton.

Pitts says academic problems were actually secondary, though.

“I was enrolled in the necessary summer school classes to make it into UCLA,” Pitts said, “but things were different. My girlfriend said I was different. People were treating me different and I was starting to feel the pressure already.”

Pitts talked to UCLA Coach Walt Hazzard, was released from his letter of intent. He called Titan Coach George McQuarn.

“Ever since the middle of my freshman year (at Trade Tech), I had made a verbal commitment to Fullerton,” Pitts said. “But when my coach (at Trade Tech), Leroy Porter, strongly recommended that I pick UCLA, I said, “OK, you know my game better than me, Coach.’ ”

Pitts said McQuarn was one of only three coaches in Southern California who play his style of basketball. He listed Porter and Hazzard as the others.

“Coach McQuarn stresses defense first and that’s the way I play the game,” Pitts said. “ . . . you shut down your man first before you even worry about scoring.

“And I’ll be playing my natural position, power forward on the wing, at Fullerton. I know most the guys and I’m really comfortable with the decision.”

So is McQuarn, who cannot comment because of NCAA regulations. But Pitts figures to be a major addition to his team and quite likely a major force in the Pacific Coast Athletic Assn. where power forwards in Pitts class are scarce.

“I’m really looking forward to playing in the PCAA,” he said.