In a move that did not come as a surprise to anyone who has watched the Colorado basketball team closely this year, CU coach Jeff Bzdelik announced Friday that he has dismissed sophomore Xavier Silas from the team.

Silas, son of former NBA player James Silas, will remain on scholarship for the remainder of the academic year.

"In the best interest of the future of Colorado basketball, I had to make a difficult decision and dismiss Xavier Silas from this team," said Bzdelik. "We wish him the very best in his future endeavors."

In a statement issued to the media Friday afternoon, Silas said, "As a player this season, I believe I have represented the University of Colorado Buffaloes to the best of my ability. I was told what was in the press release from Coach Bzdelik released yesterday. This was purely a coach's decision and not a disciplinary reaction.

"I want to clearly state I have never had a problem academically or socially while at the University of Colorado or during my lifetime. I have no athletic eligibility issues or law enforcement arrests. I did not break any team rules or verbally abuse anyone in the basketball program or in the University of Colorado."

After Bzdelik was hired last spring to replace Ricardo Patton, most CU observers thought Silas would thrive under Bzdelik's system.

Instead, it became increasingly clear as the season progressed that the two were not seeing eye to eye.

The 6-5 Silas started 19 of CU's first 20 games, but was replaced by fellow sophomore Dwight Thorne in the starting lineup on Feb. 2 when CU played host to Kansas. Silas did not play against Kansas, and remained in a reserve role in CU's ensuing four games.

The Buffs practiced in Boulder on Friday before leaving for today's game at Missouri. Prior to practice, Bzdelik said he would have no further comment on the move.

Most of CU's players also chose not to comment on Silas' dismissal, but Buff senior Richard Roby did say, "We just wish him the best. I hope he finds a place that fits what he wants to do."

Silas averaged 29.5 minutes per game (fourth-highest on the team), and averaged 9.7 points (third best) and 3.3 rebounds (fifth best). His .388 shooting percentage was the lowest of any of CU's players who averaged at least 10 minutes per game.