Iowa State dismisses leading scorer Taylor

Jul 20, 2007 - 1:38 AM AMES, Iowa (Ticker) -- Senior guard Mike Taylor on Thursday was dismissed from the Iowa State men's basketball team.

Taylor was the Cyclones' leading scorer last season at 16.0 points per game. He also averaged a team-leading 4.5 assists and topped the squad in steals (35) and 3-pointers (77).

Coach Greg McDermott had suspended Taylor from the team in March. Taylor was arrested March 19 on charges of fourth-degree criminal mischief - a serious misdemeanor - stemming from an on-campus incident February 4.

"Mike and I sat down at the beginning of the summer and clearly defined the expectations that he needed to meet in order to remain a member of this basketball team," McDermott said Thursday. "Unfortunately, Mike fell short of the goals that were set for him. As a result, I have decided that it is in Mike's best interests to pursue his academic and athletic career at another institution."

A native of Milwaukee, Taylor was named honorable mention All-Big 12 in his only season with the Cyclones.

"I had a great experience at Iowa State," Taylor said. "I appreciated all of the fan support and the opportunity to play in front of Hilton Coliseum. However, due to circumstances I got myself into, it is in my best interests to further my education and basketball opportunities at another school."