Updated

One of UCLA's early signees under former coach Ben Howland won't be playing basketball for the Bruins next season.

The school said Thursday that guard Allerick Freeman of Charlotte, N.C., asked for and was granted his release from a national letter of intent he signed last November.

UCLA says Freeman plans to choose another school in time to play next season.

New Bruins coach Steve Alford says he's supportive of Freeman's decision and that a mutual parting of the ways is the best solution.

Freeman, a 6-foot-4 guard, recently completed his senior season at Findlay Prep in Henderson, Nev., where he led the school to a 54-game winning streak. He played his first three seasons at Olympic High in Charlotte.

Freeman was one of three early signees under Howland. Forward Noah Allen of Salinas, Calif., and Zach LaVine of Bothell, Wash., are the others.

Howland was fired in March after 10 years that included three consecutive Final Four appearances.