April 18, 2005
Notre Dame, Ind. – Senior Dennis Latimore (Halstead, Kan.) has elected not to use his final year of eligibility and will not return to the Notre Dame basketball team to play in 2005-06.
Latimore, who transferred to Notre Dame in June of 2003 following two seasons at the University of Arizona, will graduate next month from the University with a degree in English and Afro-American Studies from the College of Arts and Letters.
In his only season in an Irish uniform, Latimore averaged 7.0 points and 4.3 rebounds in 2004-05 as Notre Dame finished with a 17-12 record overall and 9-7 mark in BIG EAST play. After sitting out the 2003-04 season following his transfer, he played in all 29 contests, earned 14 starting appearances and averaged 20.6 minutes per game. Adding valuable depth to the Irish lineup, he netted double figures in 11 contests and registered two double-doubles against IPFW and Villanova. Latimore also was credited with 14 blocks and 21 assists during the season.
In his two seasons at Arizona, Latimore played in 57 games and made one start while averaging 11.4 minutes, 2.4 points and 2.0 rebounds. During his three-year career at both schools, he has averaged 4.0 points, 3.3 rebounds and 14.5 minutes.
At the annual Notre Dame Men’s Basketball Banquet last week, Latimore was honored with the Notre Dame Club of St. Joseph Valley Rockne Student-Athlete Award presented annually to a member of the men’s basketball team with the highest grade point average.
Statement from Notre Dame Head Coach Mike Brey: “This was actually discussed on the front end of Dennis’ recruiting — the chance that he would play just one year for us. Given the fact that he has graduated and we have a lot of younger big guys we want to develop, we are moving forward with the decision Dennis and I have made together. I am very proud of how Dennis represented us academically and athletically.”
Statement from Dennis Latimore: “I’ve enjoyed the past two years that I have spent here at Notre Dame both as a student and an athlete. I am very grateful for the educational opportunity that I have experienced and feel that my degree has prepared me for my future both on and off the court. I am extremely appreciative of the support from the community during my time here. Following graduation this spring, I look forward to pursuing a professional career next year either in the United States or abroad.”