Israeli freshman Mashour learns on the go

Adjusting to a new school is one of many challenges facing Karam Mashour, who left his hometown of Nazareth, Israel, this year for unfamiliar surroundings in Las Vegas.

The UNLV freshman is speaking more fluent English, getting acquainted with three roommates and finding his place in the basketball program, just for starters.

"I learn something else every day," Mashour said.

In a few days, Mashour could learn what it means to be a redshirt. Or he could learn that his future with the Rebels starts now.

UNLV coach Lon Kruger said he will meet with Mashour on Thursday to determine if the 6-foot-6-inch swingman should sit out this season. Kruger called it a "fluid situation" that he continues to evaluate daily.

The Rebels play Washburn, a Division II team from Topeka, Kan., in their final exhibition game at 7 p.m. today at the Thomas & Mack Center.

If Mashour plays in Friday's regular-season opener against UC Riverside, he could redshirt later only because of injury.

"That is Coach's decision," Mashour said. "I want to play. But no matter what, I just want to work hard."

As he always does, Mashour stayed on the floor and shot perimeter jumpers for about 20 minutes after Monday's practice.

Off to the side, as he always does, Kruger raved about Mashour's "fantastic attitude and great work ethic."

Last fall, freshman Carlos Lopez approached the coaches and initiated the discussion of redshirting. Lopez, a Findlay Prep product from Puerto Rico, needed to add strength to his 6-11 frame.

"It turned out that I thought it was a good decision for Carlos and for our program," Kruger said. "Sometimes it's more clear than others. This one won't be crystal clear. You can make an argument for either.

"We haven't really discussed (redshirting) from the time that Karam signed. We said we'll take a look at it and we'll have a discussion at that moment when it's appropriate to make a decision. We'll sit down Thursday and we'll talk about it."

It's obvious Mashour can contribute this season. His attitude, skills and feel for the game indicate he could develop into a big-time player. Kruger is looking at the big picture.

"Is it good for him, is it good for our team, is it good for our program? We have to weigh that against, how does his contribution now compare to his contribution in what would be a fifth year. That's what you do with every redshirt," Kruger said.

"All things considered, we're totally delighted by what he's doing and what he's going to bring. He's such a smart kid. He picks things up quickly and every week you can see progression."

Mashour visited Las Vegas in February and lived with his uncle, Jason Awad, who encouraged him to commit to UNLV even after recruiters from Florida and UCLA showed late interest.

Mashour shares an apartment with three teammates -- Lopez and sophomore guards Justin Hawkins and Anthony Marshall.

"At the beginning, when he first came to the program, it was hard for him because he was shy and didn't know what to expect," Hawkins said. "But as time went by, we just welcomed him like family. Every day we're always talking and having fun.

"Whenever he doesn't understand something, he's always asking questions. He's always asking me if he should redshirt or if he should play. I know how it is for him. He wants to play this year, and I know he can help this team out."

Mashour, who has been a standout in several practices, scored six points in 16 minutes in the Rebels' 90-66 exhibition victory over Grand Canyon last week.

"When I first came here, the game was much faster than AAU or everything," said Mashour, who played for the Las Vegas Prospects in the spring and summer. "I feel more comfortable."

■ NOTES -- Kruger said junior forward Chace Stanback will sit out the first half of today's game because of academic reasons. ... Ryan Boatright, a point guard recruit from Aurora, Ill., committed to Connecticut after a weekend visit to UNLV.

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WASHBURN VS. UNLV

■ WHEN: 7 p.m. today

■ WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center

■ RADIO: KWWN (1100 AM, 98.9 FM)

■ LINE: No line

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