English released by Pacers

Advertiser Staff and News Services

Carl English's dream of playing in the NBA came up three days short.

Carl English opted to forego his senior UH season to take his chances in the NBA. Advertiser library photo

English, a 6-foot-5 shooting guard from Patrick's Cove, Newfoundland, Canada, played in six of the Pacers' eight preseason games. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.8 rebounds and 9 minutes during the preseason.

"He had an outstanding training camp with the Pacers, and even though he didn't get a lot of floor time, he had a couple of good games," said English's agent, Harold Cipin. "Unfortunately, they could only keep 15 (players). If they could keep 16, Carl would have made it."

Cipin said he would begin calling other teams today, both in the NBA and Europe. He said the National Basketball Developmental League (NBDL), which starts next month, is also an option.

"We're not going to rush into anything," Cipin said. "Carl's goal is still to play in the NBA and we want to find the best situation to help him reach that goal."

English graduated from UH with a bachelor's degree in May, but opted to forego his senior season to take his chances in the NBA. He was not selected in the NBA Draft in June, and signed with the Pacers as a free agent in July.

Because he signed a two-year contract with the Pacers, English will receive some compensation from the Pacers, but not a full salary.

"Carl left a good impression with the Pacers, and if something were to happen down the line, they would certainly have reason to call him back," Cipin said.

English averaged 19.6 points for UH last season, and set a school record with 89 3-pointers.

Guard Omar Cook and forward Michael Smith were also cut yesterday by the Pacers. Indiana is scheduled to open the regular season at Detroit on Wednesday.

English's release leaves only one former UH player on an NBA roster this season: Anthony Carter, who is a point guard with the San Antonio Spurs.