RENO, Nev. — Nevada athletic director Cary Groth has denied basketball forward Malik Cooke a release in good standing he sought because of family medical and financial hardships back home in North Carolina.

Cooke and his family had sought his release from Nevada's basketball program, citing his stepfather's illness and business financial difficulties.

Groth denied the request, which was upheld by a university appeal board.

Cooke, a sophomore who averaged 9.6 points and 6.2 rebounds while starting every game this past season, says he wants to purse a transfer to a school closer to his home in Charlotte, N.C.

While he could still transfer without the release in good standing, he could not receive a scholarship for tuition while he sits out a year before becoming athletically eligible again.

___

Information from: Reno Gazette-Journal, http://www.rgj.com