UNLV basketball player Willis arraigned on domestic battery charge

As far as his lawyer is concerned, Tre'Von Willis will play basketball for UNLV this year, despite allegations he choked his girlfriend.

Willis was arraigned Tuesday in Henderson Justice Court on a felony domestic battery-strangulation charge stemming from his June 29 arrest. A preliminary hearing has been set for Nov. 22.

The 22-year-old was not present in court Tuesday and remains free on bail of almost $19,000. Skye Sanders, 28, told police Willis attacked her at her Henderson apartment. Willis told police he and Sanders had a verbal argument, not a physical altercation.

Willis' lawyer, Steve Wolfson, said he wants everyone to "be patient and wait for all of the facts." "I'm confident when all the facts come out, Tre'Von Willis will play basketball this year and lead his team in scoring again," he said.

Wolfson added that he has been in contact with UNLV officials who said he is "on track to play this season."

The 6-foot-4-inch Willis was the Rebels' top scorer as a junior guard last season.

Willis pleaded not guilty in Henderson Municipal Court to a separate charge of misdemeanor coercion. His lawyer submitted his plea by fax Monday. The judge set a Sept. 22 trial date in the misdemeanor case.

Contact Kristi Jourdan at kjourdan@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0279.