On second thought, Dwayne Morgan to stay with UNLV basketball

By Ray Brewer (contact)

Wednesday, April 20, 2016 | 12:23 p.m.

With a new coaching regime taking over, Dwayne Morgan was supposed to leave the UNLV basketball program with the other departing players. Some were headed to the NBA, others to different college programs.

Three weeks ago, Morgan was the first to announce he was leaving Las Vegas. Well, maybe not.

Now, Morgan is the first to buck the trend. The 6-foot-8 sophomore forward announced today he’ll stay at UNLV. He met earlier in the week with new coach Marvin Menzies and clearly liked the direction the program is headed.

“After consulting with my mom, close family and friends as well as the new Head Coach Marvin Menzies himself, I have decided to continue my education and athletics career as a Runnin' Rebel,” Morgan posted today on Twitter.

"The Coach really seems enthused about the program, the Runnin' Rebel community, and making me better as a person and player," Morgan posted. "I have friends who have had nothing but positive things to say about their experience with Coach Menzies and I am humbled for this opportunity to get back on track, and I am fully committed to staying."

Morgan averaged 5.5 points and 4.7 rebounds per game in 2015-16, but he injured his shoulder late in the season and missed the final month. The Baltimore native explored transferring closer to home and considered Maryland, VCU and Clemson.

Morgan, sophomore-to-be guard Jalen Poyser, redshirt Tyrell Green and walk-on Austin Starr are the lone players left for Menzies to build around. Morgan averaged 19.3 minutes per game and should be one of the program's most experienced players.

First, the coach has to officially become the coach. The Nevada Board of Regents will meet Friday to approve his five-year contract.