Print
E-mail
Share
digg
Newsvine
Facebook
Stumble
Technorati
reddit
Fark
twitterREBELS BASKETBALL:
Hamga granted release from UNLV
Freshman center appeared in five games this season
Sam Morris
UNLV guard Wink Adams helps up teammate Beas Hamga after he hit the deck during the first half of their game Nov. 22 against North Carolina A&T at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 | 10:27 a.m.
UPDATE: Team reaction: Frustrated at playing time, Hamga departs UNLV
Beas Hamga
Sun archives
- Dec. 12 -- UNLV’s Hamga still handling the hype
- Dec. 11 -- Hamga’s future at UNLV up in the air
Beas Hamga, a 7-foot freshman center from Cameroon, was granted his release from the UNLV basketball program Friday morning.
“We wish Beas the best,” Rebels coach Lon Kruger said in a release. “His attitude and work ethic has been very outstanding and because of that, we think he will develop into a very good player.”
Multiple times this week, Hamga told the Sun that he was “very happy” at UNLV and would stay in the program through the end of his collegiate career.
He appeared in five of UNLV’s nine games, averaging a bit more than five minutes. He scored five points this season, with four rebounds and two blocked shots.
Hamga was well-traveled, having attended no fewer than five high schools in the United States. He came into UNLV with extraordinary expectations, because of lofty ratings by recruiting services.
But he had difficulty executing the most basic moves. And for a 7-foot, 230-pound center, he lacked strength and rarely took the ball strong to the basket.
He has had difficulty grasping English and often seemed distant and unwelcoming.
Still, his teammates had been warming to him.
“It could be very tough,” said sophomore guard Tre’Von Willis. “One time he told me he came (to Las Vegas) to play college basketball. I said, you have to be patient. Your time will come.
“You’re a young guy. Keep working hard. Your turn is going to come. Today, tomorrow, the next day … keep working hard and just be ready.”
Willis had been taking to Hamga, joking with him in practice and giving him confidence. Willis agreed that Hamga seemed happy at UNLV and had a desire to play his entire college career as a Rebel.
“I think he has a bright future,” Willis said. “He’s long, rangy, he can stroke the ball. Obviously, he just needs to be a little more physical … so his future is real bright. Sky’s the limit.”
Discussion: 11 comments so far…
Post a comment
Next Basketball Game
Today, 6:00 p.m. (PST)
- UNLV: Schedule & Stats | Roster
- Arizona: Schedule & Stats | Roster
- NCAA: Odds | Schedule | Stats
Never can get enough UNLV analysis and chatter? Then this is the stop for you. Join the Sun sports staff in The Rebel Room for your fix.
POSTGAME EDITION: Rebels produce winners across the board on busy day
Follow the Rebels
Widgets
Email Newsletters
Blogs
The Greene Room
MWC Winners and Losers: Week 13
Miech Again
Kruger contract altered in September (20 Comments)
Shark Bytes
Sharing some Thanksgiving traditions (5 Comments)
The Greene Room
MWC Winners and Losers: Week 12 (1 Comment)
Miech Again
Chilly start for Chace, but Stanback says he'll warm up (2 Comments)
The Sun
Locally owned and independent for more than 50 years.
Good luck B.....
One scholarship available now. Rob, would they offer the scholarship for next semester to Stanback to help him out from coming out of pocket?
Then, who's the next recruiting target?
I feel we need to add depth at Center. Santee's more of a true PF. Next year we're somewhat loaded there with Shaw returning, Santee and Lopez.
Brice would be the only "true" Center.
wow. whats up with kruger and centers... he boots them off the team left and right. :)
unlvrunrebs,
who are these centers being booted left and right by Kruger. last time I checked Adielfe (sp)from last season is the only center booted.... As far as Hamga, he ASKED for his releas.
This type of situation is going to occur. It's something good basketball programs have to deal with constantly.
Look at our roster. Transfers from UCLA, Kentucky and ASU. UofA finally released the big man they were holding captive. It happens. And fans of programs like these are used to it. I felt much worse about losing Edeife last year.
Most reactions from Rebel fans that I've seen have been pretty positive and mature. It's best to just wish him well and be happy for Chace next semester. And now WE HAVE A SCHOLARSHIP for next year!!! Let the speculation commence.
Some head scratching visists that took place recently don't seem so head scratching anymore.
Victor Rudd, Are you listening??????
Hamga will end up at Indiana. Crean could use anyone he can get at this point. Remember Beas turned down both Indiana and Kentucky to play for UNLV. Plus Hamga's guardian, Mark Adams, runs Indiana Elite a basketball travel team that Beas also played for....wish the kid the best though
You guys are pretty good! phurn, not sure about next semester for Chace. But that is possible, no doubt. They are in no hurry, that's for sure, with the numbers they have now and with what's coming in.
As far as having "true" centers, well, that's not such a priority. Massamba is that guy, and Carlos is projected to grow to 7-2+ ... Lopez is a dervish. He is going to make an impact. He does not hesitate going to the rim and he has very natural skills, unlike Beas. Lopez was strong, again, last night at Desert Pines. He has a fine power game.
TRUE, you are correct. This stuff is quite regular at elite programs. And the fact that they have an extra scholly all of a sudden is never a bad thing. Odds are, they will just hang onto it for 2010, when only one is available.
ryph, you are on the right track with Victor Rudd.
Keep an eye on us over the next 24 hours for a slew of follow-up pieces on the subjects you guys are now chatting about.
thanks
in a way, this if a good thing for UNLV. The #5 recruit in the nation visited UNLV knowing they had zero scholarships left. he must be REALLY interested. So now there's a scholarship available, it seems Renardo Sidney may be signing with the Runnin' Rebels.
And lets hope Wink and Joe get outta this shooting slump by 12/20 against Arizona. That'll be a big win if they pull it off.
rebelsfan, don't count on Sidney. one guy's opinion
I really like 'B', disappointed to see him go. But, he just so happened to be the odd-man out, a la Troy Cage.
I trust Krugers instincts, this guy obviously dosen't have the talent, otherwise he would be on the floor. This will open another scholarship for next year. The Reb's don't need any weak minded guys, when things get tough they run scared