PITTSBURGH — Darnell Dodson, a 6-foot-6 guard who was a key member of what Pitt coach Jamie Dixon called his best recruiting class, is leaving school and plans to transfer to Miami Dade College.

Dodson had been allowed to practice with the Panthers as he awaited word on his eligibility for this season, but stopped practicing this week. When he learned he was not eligible, Dodson decided to leave school so he could play elsewhere.

Dodson, a strong outside shooter, had been expected to redshirt this season before taking over a key role in Pitt's offense next season. Dodson is from Greenbelt, Md., and was one of the top high school scorers in the Washington, D.C., area last season.

By The Associated Press