Oct. 12, 2007

LAS VEGAS - UNLV men's basketball freshman Beas Hamga has been granted qualifier status with a restriction by the NCAA, the athletics department announced Friday.

Hamga, a 7-foot center from Douala, Cameroon, who played at Decatur (Ill.) Christian School last year, has enrolled as a full-time student at UNLV. He will be awarded financial aid for the 2007-08 school year and be able to practice with the team this season.

The only restriction on Hamga's status is that he will not be able to compete in games until the 2008-09 season. He will be considered a redshirt freshman next fall.

"Although we are disappointed Beas can't play immediately, we are thrilled for him and our program that he is on board," head coach Lon Kruger said. "We know he will work hard to become an outstanding player."

Hamga averaged 13 points, 12 rebounds and seven blocked shots per game as a senior at Decatur last year. He was listed as a five-star recruit by Rivals.com.

"This decision definitely makes me happy," said Hamga. "It is really good news for me. I have been waiting and now I can focus on just one thing, being part of the team and working hard in practice. I am looking forward to it and next year I'll be ready to play."