Greg Foster Says He Quit at UCLA Because His Game Wasn’t Improving

Greg Foster said Tuesday that he left the UCLA basketball team and will withdraw from school because he was not growing as a player.

Foster told Steve Salm, UCLA associate athletic director: “I know that my play in the last few games wasn’t up to my potential. I know that I’m taking a chance by leaving, but I would also be taking a chance if I stayed.”

The 7-foot sophomore had started UCLA’s first 11 games, averaging 8.5 points and 5.5 rebounds.

But when Foster missed practice with the flu last week, Coach Walt Hazzard told him that he wouldn’t start against Oregon State, enforcing a team rule that applies to anyone who misses practice for any reason, Hazzard said.

Foster then left practice, changed his clothes and left the building. Saturday night, Foster and his mother visited Hazzard to tell the coach he planned to transfer to another school.

Hazzard indicated that the Bruins would not oppose Foster’s transfer, which requires a signed release from the school.

Hazzard said Tuesday he didn’t know where Foster hoped to play next.

“I have not talked to him since Sunday, and he gave no indication to me,” Hazzard said. “I’ve had about 20 calls from 20 different programs. They just want to know how to get to him . . . I wouldn’t name the programs.”