University of South Florida freshman forward Teeng Akol, who began summer classes last month, must leave USF for academic reasons.

The 6-foot-11 Akol is USF’s second basketball recruit in the last month that signed with the school, but was not able to attend because of academics. Last year, USF implemented an academic committee that must approve a recruit’s academic standing before he can sign with the school, but Akol already had been admitted.

Fatah Muraisi, Akol’s adviser, said he participated in meetings with USF coach Stan Heath and USF faculty about Akol.

“It [academics] was a part of the decision,” Muraisi said “Am I aggravated [he wasn’t allowed to attend USF], yes? It was not Stan’s [decision], it was not Teeng’s, it’s above them.

“I’m not a happy person. I’m not a happy camper because I told Teeng USF has the academic support you need. The athletics side was trying the best they could. It’s frustrating. It’s a shocker to me.”

Muraisi said Akol initially chose USF over West Virginia, Oklahoma, Xavier and Southern Illinois.

“Coach Heath and I will remain friends for a long time,” Akol said in a statement. “We had a strong relationship throughout my recruitment and he will remain a good friend.  The players welcomed me in and we were developing a relationship quickly.  I expect them to do big things this year, unfortunately USF was not the right fit for me and I have to move on.”

The loss of Akol leaves six incoming recruits for USF.

“It is really hard for us to lose Teeng,” Heath said in a statement. “He is a great kid. We love him and we were developing a great relationship. Unfortunately, USF was not the right fit for him.  We will do everything to we can to make sure he ends up at the right institution and we wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.”