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UTEP basketball: Miners land former Oregon point guard

Dominic Artis gets a second D-1 chance with UTEP.

By Alex Nicolas
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Former Oregon point guard Dominic Artis will be immediately eligible and join the UTEP basketball team El Paso Times reporter Felix Chavez first tweeted, and sources confirmed to Miner Rush.

Artis averaged 6.2 points and 2.7 assists per game in 53 career games at Oregon before being suspended and eventually dismissed two weeks before the 2014 NCAA Tournament.

Tim Floyd released this statement on the addition.

"We did extensive research on Dominic's history and character through people who have known him since he was a child, and throughout his high school and college career. Based on our due diligence, meeting with Dominic and his parents, and the endorsement of Matt Willms who played with Dominic in prep school, we feel comfortable adding him to our team."

"I understand where some may be concerned.  I have a daughter of my own.  This was not a quick decision.  A lot of research and conversation occurred before we chose to move forward.  Dominic made a poor decision, and as a result has learned a tough life lesson.  But I believe he is a good person and is worthy of a second chance."

"Dominic has spent the last year at Diablo Valley College, working with coach Steve Coccimiglio who mentored him.  He worked out every day, preparing himself for a second chance.  He did not play in games, using last year as a redshirt year.  He will have two years of eligibility.  I believe he will make the most of his opportunity here at UTEP."

This past season he sat out, but attended classes and practiced with Diablo Valley College, and will have two years of eligibility at UTEP.

"I am grateful to Coach Floyd for giving me another opportunity, a second chance," Artis said.  "I made a mistake and used poor judgment, but I have learned from this.  I am excited about this opportunity at UTEP as I played in the Haskins Center for Oregon in our game against UTEP three years ago.  UTEP has great fans and a tremendous game day atmosphere."

The 6'1 California native was a consensus four star, and top-100 player by all the major recruiting websites in the class of 2012 coming out of high school .

Artis took recent visits to both St. John's and St. Mary's, and will fill up the immediate need of a point guard in the UTEP 2015-16 lineup.

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