Pearson still a redshirt candidate for Rebels

Steve Addy

Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2000 | 9:55 a.m.

Rebels freshman forward Omari Pearson might not play this season, and it depends on the outcome of UNLV's infractions case with the NCAA.

UNLV coach Bill Bayno would prefer to redshirt Pearson, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Maywood, Ill., but that might not be feasible if junior forward Chris Richardson is sanctioned by the NCAA for his role in the case.

If Richardson is suspended for only a few games for allegedly lying to NCAA investigators, the Rebels will likely redshirt Pearson, figuring they could get by without Richardson for a little while.

But if Richardson is suspended for half of the season or longer, the Rebels would not have enough frontcourt manpower to avoid using Pearson this season.

To keep Pearson eligible for redshirting, Bayno didn't let him suit up for Tuesday's 94-80 exhibition victory over the Delta Jammers at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"We don't want to play (Pearson) now while we are not sure (about Richardson's future)," Bayno said. "Once you play, you can't redshirt."

There is no official word on when the NCAA will announce its ruling on UNLV's case, but it is likely within two weeks. The university will receive only one day's notice.

Banks is a 6-foot-2 combo guard from Las Vegas (Cimarron-Memorial) and Dixie College in Utah, and Njoya is a 6-10 center from Cameroon and The Masters School in Dobbs Ferry, N.Y.

UNLV is also recruiting New Jersey high school shooting guard Ernest Turner, who is reportedly leaning toward the Rebels over Villanova. It is unclear if he will sign this week or wait until April.

Bayno would also like to add a Juco big man, but that might not happen until the spring.

The sophomore point guard told the Detroit Free Press he will decide next month where to transfer. He has spoken to Florida, St. John's, Iowa State and Houston, and Fresno State is also regarded as a possibility. UNLV is not among Gaines' options.