Friday, June 28, 2002 | 9:45 a.m.
UNLV's men's basketball team finished its off-season additions Thursday with the transfer of small forward Odartey Blankson, Marquette's second-leading rebounder last season.
Blankson, a 6-foot-7 sophomore from suburban Chicago, has to sit out the coming season, per NCAA transfer rules, but will be eligible for two seasons beginning in 2003. He will get UNLV's only remaining scholarship this year, so any other additions will be walk-ons.
The Rebels have already added transfer point guard Demetrius Hunter and Juco power forwards J.K. Edwards and James Peters, all of whom are immediately eligible.
After making the Conference USA all-freshman team in 2001, 20-year-old Blankson averaged 8.4 points and 6.2 rebounds in 29 games last season. Only Dwyane Wade (6.6) averaged more rebounds. In conference play, Blankson improved to 9.3 points and 6.4 boards, scoring 23 at Saint Louis on Jan. 12 and getting 16 rebounds on Feb. 9 at Southern Miss.
Blankson also visited Boston College and showed interest in Pitt.
UNLV coaches are prohibited from confirming Blankson's transfer until he enrolls.
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