UCI Loses Basketball Recruit

Damion Dawson, a 6-foot-2 guard who committed to UC Irvine last November, will not attend the school this fall.

He is the second Anteater recruit from last fall who will not enroll. Jeff Johannsen, a 6-11 center from Temple City High School, was released from his scholarship last week.

Dawson, a graduate of Long Beach Poly, played in 25 games for USC during the 1995-96 season, averaging two points and 1.3 rebounds. He was ruled academically ineligible after the season.

Erick Joshua, a 6-3 guard, is the lone remaining recruit who committed in the fall. Joshua, who was the city player of the year as a senior at Gary (Ind.) Wallace High two years ago, averaged eight points for Otero (Colo.) Community College last season.

Anteater Coach Pat Douglass, who was hired last month, has three scholarships left to fill. He already has signed Sonora High forward Ben Jones.