April 13, 2005

LAS VEGAS - The UNLV men's basketball program has received a signed national letter of intent to enroll at the school and play basketball starting with the 2005-06 season from Jerome Johnson on Wednesday, the first day of the spring signing period, head coach Lon Kruger announced.

Johnson, a 6-8 center/power forward, averaged 15 points, eight rebounds and three blocked shots per game last season at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Va. He helped lead his team to a 26-1 record.

"Jerome will add size and athleticism in the front court for us," Kruger said. "He took full advantage of his opportunity at Hargrave Military Academy and we are very excited to have him become a part of our program."

Originally from Baltimore, Johnson will graduate this spring from Hargrave.

Johnson joins five other players who signed with the Runnin' Rebels in November as UNLV's incoming class. They are Javon Adams, Joe Darger, Gaston Essengue, Davon Jefferson and Wendell White.