DENTON, Texas (4/6/10) - North Texas junior guard Collin Mangrum is expected to graduate in August with a degree in sociology, and will be leaving the program to pursue a law degree.
Mangrum is the first player in program history to suit up for multiple NCAA Tournaments, and averaged 4.1 points per game as North Texas' sixth man in 2010. The Howe, Texas native ranked third on the squad with 19 three-pointers, and led the Mean Green with 84 percent free throw shooting.
"Coach [Johnny] Jones, the entire coaching staff, the administration, this community and the fans have been nothing but supportive of me," Mangrum said. "I've prayed about this decision for a long time now, and I'll forever be in debt to everyone here. These four years were some of the best in my life."
Mangrum endured several injuries during his career at NT, missing all of the 2007-08 season and much of 2008-09 with multiple surgeries. He bounced back with a near-injury free campaign in 2010, which resulted in career highs in almost every statistical category.
The leader of North Texas' "Reinforcement Line", Mangrum was also a standout in the classroom. He was named to the Dean's List three times and earned President's List honors three times for a perfect 4.0 GPA. Mangrum was also a three-time selection to the Sun Belt Conference's Commissioner's List.
"Collin has held a special place in our basketball program," said North Texas head coach Johnny Jones. "Although he had to battle through some injuries, he has always made a commitment on and off the floor to be the best that he could be. We will surely miss his presence as a part of our team, but we wish him nothing but the best as he starts this new chapter in his life."
