Kansas transfer to fill need at power forward for Rebels

The first time he was recruited by UNLV, Quintrell Thomas decided his basketball future was more promising in Kansas. A year later, he had second thoughts.

Thomas, who announced plans to leave the Jayhawks’ team April 9, said he will transfer to UNLV.

Rebels coach Lon Kruger did not hesitate to offer a second chance to Thomas, a 6-foot-8-inch, 240-pound forward.

"I liked UNLV when I was out there last year," Thomas said. "But going out to Kansas, it was an overwhelming experience."

Jayhawks coach Bill Self signed more talented big men after Thomas committed. Thomas played in 26 games as a freshman and averaged 5.4 minutes, 1.5 points and 2.0 rebounds per game.

"I didn’t like that part of the experience, of course," Thomas said. "I really couldn’t understand why I wasn’t playing during the season."

Thomas, from Newark, N.J., also considered transferring to Saint Joseph’s and Siena. Rivals.com ranked him the nation’s 149th-best player in the class of 2008.

After signing Thomas last year, Self called him a "prototypical power forward," a description that if true fits one of the Rebels’ most obvious needs.

Thomas can practice with UNLV’s team as a redshirt next season, and he will have three years of eligibility remaining beginning in 2010-11.

Kruger still has one scholarship available for next season.

The Rebels brought in two transfers last summer — Derrick Jasper from Kentucky and Chace Stanback from UCLA.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.