Dismissal Ends Mack’s WSU Career

Washington State senior Tavares Mack was apparently tired of going through the motions.

Coach Kevin Eastman was tired of watching Mack go through the motions.

So there was probably more relief than surprise Saturday when Mack missed the pregame shootaround and was dismissed from the team, this time for good.

“We waited about as long as we could and it’s now time for both parties to move on and try to improve,” Eastman said. “Why did it last so long? Because we’re dealing with a young man’s life, pride and reputation.

“I’d much rather go a little too long than a little too short with those stakes at hand.”

Mack first left the team in December after missing a shootaround and telling Eastman he had lost interest in basketball. The 6-foot-9 forward was then placed on indefinite suspension, but returned three weeks later after convincing Eastman he wanted to return.

But Mack’s interest was never evident.

“The decision this time around was made because we just weren’t getting the energy, emotion, concentration or passion from Tavares,” Eastman said. “Although this is not a simple decision at all, the solution itself is.

“Tavares needs to truly sort things out in terms of what he wants, truly wants from his life.”

Mack is the second returning starter to leave the team this season; point guard Donminic Ellison was dismissed over the summer after a series of off-court problems, culminating with his arrest for possession of marijuana.

Mack’s interest appeared to diminish when Ellison left. The two were roommates.

Mack did not accompany the team to Saturday night’s game at McArthur Court and was unavailable for comment.

Eastman said Mack, majoring in social work, will remain on scholarship and continue to attend the team’s regular study hall.

Mack started 40 games at WSU, including four this year, and ends his WSU career as the school’s all-time leader in field-goal percentage (264 of 461, .573). Mack also ranks ninth in blocks with 55. He played in 104 games.

In 16 games this season, Mack averaged 5.3 points and 4.9 rebounds. But he shot just 33 percent in 10 conference games, including a 1-for-12 showing in a 74-72 home loss to Washington.

Frequent lapses in concentration often led to turnovers, and he was taking more outside shots than his skills could accommodate.

“As I said to Tavares, it takes a strong person to admit that the motivation isn’t there, when everyone on the periphery is telling him he has to play,” Eastman said. “Just because you’re 6-foot-8, 6-foot-9, doesn’t mean you have to play basketball or should play basketball - your heart gives you that true answer, not your height.”

Mack came to WSU when Kelvin Sampson was coach, redshirting as a freshman in 1992-93. Isaac Fontaine, Carlos Daniel and Steve Slotemaker remain from the Sampson era.

, DataTimes