Kruger, Rebels’ running game lure Marquette transfer Smith

Five transfer players are on the UNLV basketball roster, and it didn't take long for Reggie Smith to decide he wanted to be the sixth.

Smith, a 6-foot freshman point guard from Marquette, committed to the Rebels' coaches Saturday night.

Smith said he was impressed by UNLV's up-tempo style in its 83-49 victory over Texas Christian at the Thomas & Mack Center. He also liked coach Lon Kruger's disposition and Mike Moser's advice.

"I believe Coach Kruger is one of the nicest men I've ever met," Smith said. "Every time I see him he has a smile on his face. I haven't heard him yell yet.

"I got along with the guys and the coaches pretty well. With the chemistry, we just clicked really fast. UNLV really runs and really pushes the ball in transition, and I'm at my best doing that."

Smith was hosted on his visit by sophomore Mike Moser, who is sitting out the season as a transfer from UCLA.

"I was liking what Mike was telling me. He wouldn't tell me to come if he didn't like it," Smith said. "I would say Mike played a major part in my decision."

Smith, from Thornton High in Chicago's south suburbs, was ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 112 player in the class of 2010. Citing a lack of playing time, he left the Marquette team in late December after playing in only eight games.

Smith said he plans to enroll at UNLV next week and begin playing after the fall semester in mid-December, leaving him 2½ seasons of eligibility.

UNLV has one scholarship available for this year's class, if 6-10 center Henry Buckley from Houston does not get it. Buckley's eligibility has not been cleared by the NCAA.

Grandy Glaze, a 6-6 forward from Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass., previously committed to the Rebels.

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