LAS VEGAS (UNLVRebels.com) - The UNLV men's basketball program has received a signed commitment from Kimani Hamilton to join the Runnin' Rebels for the 2025-26 season, head coach Josh Pastner announced Friday.
Hamilton, a 6-foot-8-inch, 225-pound forward from Jackson, Mississippi, is transferring from High Point where he played as a sophomore in 2023-24 and a junior in 2024-25. He is a two-time First Team All-Big South honoree, was a Lou Henson Award finalist, and earned Big South All-Tournament Team recognition.
In helping the Panthers to the NCAA Tournament this past season, winning their league with a 14-2 record and finishing the campaign with a 29-6 overall mark, Hamilton averaged 13.1 points per game while shooting 52.0% from the field. He also collected 4.6 rebounds per game. He was one of just two players on the team to start in all 35 games, averaging 24.1 minutes played per contest.
"We are excited to welcome Kimani to the Runnin' Rebel family," Pastner said. "He is tough, physical, and brings an explosive style to the court. He can lead the break, is a great finisher around the rim, and can also knock down shots. He is unselfish and a good passer who creates opportunities for his teammates."
Hamilton also started all 36 games his sophomore season, contributing 14.9 ppg and shooting 46.9% from the field. He played his freshman year at Mississippi State where he appeared in 12 games for the Bulldogs.
Hamilton attended Clinton High School in Clinton, Mississippi, where he averaged 18.5 points, 9.8 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He led his team to its second-straight Class 6A State Championship during his senior season. He was a four-star recruit in the class of 2022 and was ranked No. 80 on ESPN's top 100 list.
Hamilton was named the 2021-22 Mississippi Gatorade Player of the Year, becoming the first father-son duo to win the award in the state (Tang Hamilton, 1996-97).
Hamilton joins Mason Abittan, Naas Cunningham, Ladji Dembele, Howie Fleming Jr., Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn, Al Green, Tyrin Jones, Emmanuel Stephen and Issac Williamson as incoming players to the Runnin' Rebel program for the 2025-26 season.
James Evans Jr. and
Jacob Bannarbie have also committed to return to the program from last season's roster.
2025-26 SEASON TICKETS: The season ticket renewal process for Runnin' Rebel basketball at the Thomas & Mack Center is underway, with the renewal deadline set for June 2. New season tickets are also available now, starting at just $115. Under the leadership of new head coach
Josh Pastner, fans can look forward to an exciting season ahead. For purchase or additional information, please visit
UNLVtickets.com or call (702) 739-FANS (3267).
