June 13, 2008

LAS VEGAS - UNLV men's basketball junior Matt Shaw has been diagnosed by team physician Dr. Gerald Higgins as having a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee that will require surgery, head coach Lon Kruger announced Friday.

Because of the nature of the injury, surgery will be scheduled within two to three weeks after swelling in the knee decreases.

Shaw, a 6-8 forward from Los Angeles, played in all 35 games for the Runnin' Rebels last season, helping the team to a 27-8 record, its second consecutive MWC Tournament championship and an appearance in the NCAA Tournament's second round. He averaged 6.9 points and 4.0 rebounds per game, scoring in double figures 10 times. He was fourth on the team in made 3-pointers with 24 and averaged 19.0 minutes per contest.

Typical rehabilitation for this type of injury is six to nine months. Shaw will miss the entire 2008-09 season.

"Matt tweaked his knee last month in a pick-up game," Kruger said. "He tried to play when practice started earlier this week, but he was uncomfortable and had it evaluated.

"We are really disappointed for Matt because he has worked so hard to have an outstanding junior season. It is very disappointing in the short term, but he will turn it into a positive and take advantage of what becomes a redshirt season. He will have two years left of playing after this season and will finish those strong."