MBK: Rebel Matt Shaw to miss final season

April 27, 2010

LAS VEGAS - UNLV men’s basketball junior Matt Shaw is ineligible for competition per NCAA rules for the 2010-11 season, the athletics department announced Tuesday. Although Shaw’s collegiate basketball career has ended, he plans to complete his undergraduate degree this summer.

“I tested positive for a NCAA banned substance and it will cost me my senior season,” Shaw said. “I made a poor decision, but I take responsibility for it. I apologize to my teammates, my coaches and the fans. I am proud of the fact that I will earn my degree and am also proud of what we accomplished during my four seasons as part of the Runnin’ Rebel program. I hope the fans will remember me for what I tried to give to this program and accept my apology.”

Shaw, a 6-8 forward, who came to UNLV from Los Angeles’ Fairfax High School for the 2006-07 season, played in 86 career games for the Runnin’ Rebels. He missed the 2008-09 season after having surgery on his knee and averaged 5.6 points and 2.8 rebounds per game over his three seasons of action. He started 18 games during his career (seven in 2007-08 and 11 in 2009-10).

Last season Shaw averaged 7.0 ppg and 2.8 rpg on the squad that earned an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament and finished with a 25-9 overall record. During his three seasons on the court, UNLV went 82-24.

“We are really disappointed for Matt,” head coach Lon Kruger said. “He was going to be an integral part of our team next season. His teammates are disappointed as well, but they also understand that he has to take responsibility for his actions.”

Tags: Matt Shaw, UNLV Men's basketball