UC Irvine Makes Its Pitch for Butler

Former Ocean View High School forward Ricky Butler has been released from his commitment to the University of Kansas and is being pursued by UC Irvine, Anteater basketball coach Bill Mulligan confirmed Wednesday.

Butler signed a letter of intent to attend Kansas but learned recently that he had failed to meet academic admission standards at the university. He needed to be officially released from Kansas in order to enroll at another school. Butler is reportedly considering Irvine, San Diego State and Cal State Long Beach.

“We’re in possession of a written release from Kansas,” Mulligan said. “I think he’s going to decide Sunday.”

Butler, a three-time selection to The Times’ All-Orange County team, averaged 15 points and 12.8 rebounds per game as a senior at Ocean View last season. He would have to qualify under a special admissions program to attend Irvine, but Mulligan is hopeful that, if Butler decides to go to UCI, such considerations could be made.

“He’s a good kid,” Mulligan said. “I’ve watched him for four years. I really like him.”