Dec. 18, 2002

LAS VEGAS - Louis Amundson, a 6-8 sophomore forward on UNLV's men's basketball team, has decided to redshirt this season, head coach Charlie Spoonhour announced Wednesday.

Amundson, who has not played in a regular-season game this year for the Runnin' Rebels, has been sidelined with an infection in his right thumb.

Amundson will spend the winter break away from the basketball program in an effort to get healthy. He will then be evaluated by doctors and plans to rejoin the team after the holiday season.

Amundson plans to use the 2002-03 season as a redshirt year and will then have three years of eligibility remaining as a Runnin' Rebel starting with the 2003-04 season.

"I am very disappointed for Louis and our basketball team," Spoonhour said. "However, we will do what is in his best interest. This will continue to be a productive season for him as he works on his game."