Dec. 18, 2001

LAS VEGAS - UNLV junior Jamal Holden has been granted a release from the UNLV men's basketball program, head coach Charlie Spoonhour announced Tuesday.

Holden, a 6-10 center, who transferred to UNLV from Westark (Ark.) College prior to this season, has played in five games, averaging 8.0 minutes per game. He also averaged 2.2 points and 2.2 rebounds per game.

"Jamal has decided that it is in his best interest to pursue other opportunities in college basketball closer to his home," Spoonhour said. "He is a fine young man and we wish him nothing but the best in the future."