Hamga granted release from UNLV

By Rob Miech

Friday, Dec. 12, 2008 | 10:27 a.m.

UPDATE: Team reaction: Frustrated at playing time, Hamga departs UNLV

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.”