DUNK CITY, Fla. – FGCU men's basketball forward Patson Siame has been granted his release and will not return to the program.
 
A junior who transferred from Loyola Marymount University last summer, Siame (Luanshya, Zambia/Kingdom Christian Academy/Trinity International Schools) sat out the 2015-16 season in accordance with NCAA rules. He would have had two years of eligibility with the Eagles beginning next season.
 
"After meeting with Patson, we came to a mutual decision that this would be the best decision for both parties," commented FGCU head coach Joe Dooley. "We wish Patson nothing but the best in his future endeavors."
 
Siame averaged 5.7 points and 4 rebounds per game at LMU in 2014-15. He played in 24 games, made 11 starts and averaged 20 minutes per game. Prior to his time at LMU, Siame attended Trinity International Schools in Las Vegas and graduated in 2012 before heading to Kingdom Christian Academy in Missouri.
 
The Eagles finished 4th in the nation last year in percentage of total points from 2-point baskets at 61.1 percent. All four of FGCU's low-post players – Kevin Mickle, Demetris Morant, Marc-Eddy Norelia and Antravious Simmons – will return next season, with Norelia and Morant being redshirt seniors.
 
FGCU posted its fourth-straight 20-win season (21-14) in 2015-16 as the Eagles claimed their second Atlantic Sun Tournament Championship in four years. FGCU won its third NCAA Tournament game in four years with a 96-65 victory over fellow 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson in the First Four – with the 31-point margin of victory in that round of the tournament being the largest in NCAA history.
 
The Green and Blue are scheduled to return 84 percent of their points, 88 percent of their rebounds and 89 percent of their assists next year as the team will have arguably its deepest and most talented group in program history.
 
SOCIAL CENTRAL
For up-to-the-minute information and behind-the-scenes access to the men's basketball program, follow @FGCU_MBB on Twitter and Instagram, Like us on Facebook at /FGCUMBB and watch us on Snapchat at FGCU_MBB.
 
COACH DOOLEY 
FGCU is led by head coach Joe Dooley, who just completed his 3rd year with the Eagles and has coached eight all-conference selections. Dooley guided FGCU to a 4th-straight 20-win season and 4th-consecutive postseason appearance in 2015-16 as the Eagles claimed the A-Sun Championship and won their First Four NCAA Tournament game. He led FGCU to its first Atlantic Sun Conference Regular-Season Championship and first trip to the NIT in 2014, and in 2015 he led the Eagles to a berth in the CIT. Prior to arriving in SWFL, Dooley spent 10 seasons as an assistant at Kansas under head coach Bill Self. During those 10 seasons, Kansas produced 300 wins, nine-straight Big 12 regular-season titles, six Big 12 Tournament championships, six NCAA Sweet 16s, five NCAA Elite Eight appearances and two Final Fours, including the 2008 National Championship. Dooley just completed his 7th season overall as a head coach and has a record of 122-90 (.575), and in his three years with FGCU is 65-38 (.631).
 
SUPPORT THE CAUSE 
FGCU Athletics sponsors events throughout the year to benefit the FGCU Campus Food Pantry (www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry) and the Harry Chapin Food Bank (www.harrychapinfoodbank.org), FGCU Athletics' charities of choice. For more information, including how to make a contribution, please visit www.fgcu.edu/foodpantry and utilize the hashtag #FeedFGCU to help raise awareness.