UCLA forward to transfer to UNLV
As a highly recruited high school senior, Mike Moser took a quick look at UNLV.
''I was more interested in the Pac-10,'' said Moser, who originally committed to Arizona before backing out to sign with UCLA.
After resting his backside on the Bruins' bench for most of his freshman season, Moser opted to transfer. He took a second look at the Rebels' program over the weekend, and the attraction was mutual.
Moser, a 6-foot-8-inch forward, committed to UNLV coach Lon Kruger on Monday.
''It's an opportunity to play for a good team and a good coach,'' he said. ''Coach Kruger is a great guy, and I feel like I related well with him.''
Moser, from Portland, Ore., played in 15 of 32 games last season at UCLA. After sitting out the 2010-11 season, he will have three more years of eligibility.
The Rebels are getting their second UCLA transfer in the past two years. Chace Stanback, also a 6-8 forward, traveled the same path with success. He was UNLV's No. 2 scorer (10.7 points per game) and leading rebounder (5.8) last season as a sophomore.
Similar to Stanback, Moser said he wanted more playing time than he got under Bruins coach Ben Howland.
''I just wasn't given the opportunity I deserved,'' Moser said. ''(Howland) wanted me to stay, but I thought it would be best to leave.''
Ranked as one of the nation's top 100 prep players in the 2009 class, Moser was Oregon's Mr. Basketball as a senior, when he averaged 28.3 points and 13.0 rebounds.
He was a two-sport star at Grant High School, also excelling in track and field as an all-league high jumper.
The Rebels' recruiting priorities have shifted since they lost out on Findlay Prep point guard Cory Joseph, who on Friday committed to Texas.
UNLV has offered a scholarship to Johnathan Loyd, a 5-9 point guard from Bishop Gorman. Loyd, weighing offers from Northwestern and several other schools, could make a decision this week.
Loyd averaged 13.3 points and 8.2 assists for the Gaels, who went 30-2 and won the Class 4A state championship.
Moser's commitment makes it less likely the Rebels will sign Dwayne Polee Jr., a 6-7 forward from Westchester High in Los Angeles. Polee also is considering Georgia, St. John's and Oregon.
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.
