Arizona freshman

considering KU

University of Arizona freshman Jeff Withey, who finally received his release to transfer without penalty on Monday, told ESPN he likely will transfer to either Kansas University or the University of Texas.

Withey, 7-foot, 225 pounds out of San Diego’s Horizon High, quit the Wildcats’ team in late October after the resignation of coach Lute Olson.

“(The fall semester) was definitely stressful,” Withey told ESPN’s Andy Katz.

“I was just watching the guys on the team play on TV. It was hard. It made my love for the game even stronger. Every time I go out, I’m going to give it my all.”

Withey said after he completes his last final exam on Dec. 18, he’ll talk to college coaches. He wants to be settled on campus after the Christmas/New Year’s holiday. That way he’ll be eligible to play at KU or Texas at the conclusion of the 2009 fall semester.

“I just didn’t feel like Arizona was my home anymore,” Withey told Katz. “It’s too bad it didn’t work out, but I have nothing but good things to say about the program and the team.”

At first, Arizona refused to release Withey from his scholarship. He was ready to appeal when informed early this week he’d been granted his release.

Withey was the No. 36-rated player in the Class of 2008 by Rivals.com.

Cheek to decide Friday

Dominic Cheek, a 6-5 senior guard from St. Anthony High in Jersey City, N.J., will announce his college choice at 5 p.m., CDT, Friday at the high school gym. He’s considering KU, Memphis, Villanova, Pitt and Rutgers.

“All the schools are still in there,” St. Anthony associate head coach Ben Gamble told Zagsblog.net.

Rivals.com’s Jerry Meyer indicates “sentiments are strong that Cheek ends up a (Villanova) Wildcat.”