UNLV men's basketball coach Josh Pastner confirmed the Rebels will be without several players for Saturday's exhibition game against BYU at the Thomas & Mack Center. Forward Tyrin Jones, guard Tyler Harris, forward Issac Williamson and guard Terrance Ford Jr. are all out, while forward MJ Thomas is a game-time decision.
The roster issues extend beyond injuries. Senior guard AJ Storr remains ineligible as the program awaits a ruling on his transfer status. Pastner said the situation stems from a federal appeals court stay that halted a Tennessee court injunction related to Storr's transfer, and the player is working with his counsel on a potential resolution involving a move to another state.
Of the eight players currently available, seven are on scholarship and one is walk-on Jalen Cunningham. Pastner acknowledged the challenge of facing a BYU program he called "a great program, great staff and great players" under coach Kevin Young while shorthanded, but said it will be a good test to see where the team stands.
Jones, who averaged 11.9 points and five rebounds last season, tore his labrum and dislocated his shoulder 14 months ago but played through the injury before undergoing offseason surgery. He was cleared for contact on Oct. 1 but is not yet ready to play. The Rebels host Missouri on Thursday in their final exhibition before opening the regular season Nov. 3 against Northern Arizona.
Pastner said he scheduled the three-game preseason slate against Power Four opponents — two from the Big 12 and one from the SEC — in response to fan requests for high-profile matchups. He hopes the games will drive season ticket sales and attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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