Rob Miech's Take: A Findlay College Prep product, Lopez made huge strides in three seasons as a Pilot after leaving Puerto Rico. This is another big transition, and it's been frustrating for the kid known as "Yao" to all his pals back home. A stomach virus he contracted in France in July caused him to lose 30 pounds, and he barely had 30 ounces to lose. He struggled during the first three weeks of practice.
Miech's Question: Can he regain enough strength to withstand the rigors of elite college hoops and contribute by the time conference season rolls around, or is this a good time to redshirt?

UNLV CAREER: Lopez enters his first season in the Runnin' Rebel program in 2009-10 ... has a wing span of nearly seven feet and a standing reach of 8-foot-10.

HIGH SCHOOL: A 2009 graduate of Findlay College Prep at the Henderson International School in Henderson, Nev.. ... earned three letters for the Pilots under head coach Mike Peck ... as a senior he averaged 9.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game ... helped the Pilots go a perfect 33-0 and win the 2009 ESPN RISE National High School championship ... averaged 7.0 and 4.5 rebounds as Findlay Prep went 32-1 and lost in the prep school national championship during his junior season ... earned Most Valuable Player honors at the Lexington Christian Classic as a junior ... played with current Runnin' Rebel teammate Brice Massamba ... ranked as the 83rd-best prospect in the 2009 class by Hoop Scoop.

PERSONAL: Carlos Ricardo Lopez was born June 23, 1990, in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico ... has not declared a major ... the son of Gladys Sosa and Carlos Lopez ... has three younger brothers: Isaac (10), Daniel (9) and Diego (9) ... also has a younger sister: Laira (10).

--Courtesy of UNLVrebels.com