Beas Hamga officially a Rebel!

UNLV basketball fans finally got the top-notch 7-foot basketball recruit they’ve been coveting on Friday afternoon when Beas Hamga was officially admitted into school. However, Rebel fans will have to wait a while before they get the see the potential NBA first round pick actually play in a game.

Hamga, a 7-foot center from Douala, Cameroon, who played at Decatur (Ill.) Christian School last year, has enrolled as a full-time student at UNLV. He will be awarded financial aid for the 2007-08 school year and be able to practice with the team this season.

The only restriction on Hamga's status is that he will not be able to compete in games until the 2008-09 season. He will be considered a redshirt freshman next fall.

"Although we are disappointed Beas can't play immediately, we are thrilled for him and our program that he is on board," head coach Lon Kruger said. "We know he will work hard to become an outstanding player."

Hamga averaged 13 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots per game as a senior at Decatur last year. Rebel Nation basketball analyst Bob Gibbons listed him as a top 50-caliber prospect.

"This decision definitely makes me happy," said Hamga said in a prepared statement released by UNLV’s sports information office. "It is really good news for me. I have been waiting and now I can focus on just one thing, being part of the team and working hard in practice. I am looking forward to it and next year I'll be ready to play."