UNLV guard Smith granted release from basketball team

Not long ago, Reggie Smith planned on being UNLV's point guard of the future. But those plans changed, and Smith's future will be with another program closer to his Chicago home.

Smith, who transferred from Marquette in January 2011, announced Monday he is transferring again. He became eligible to play for the Rebels in December and averaged 2.5 points in 20 games as a sophomore reserve.

"My grandmother is really sick and I have decided to find a school closer to home so I can be near her and my family," Smith said in a statement.

Smith played double-digit minutes in only four games at UNLV. He might have been No. 3 on the depth chart at point guard next season, behind senior Anthony Marshall and incoming freshman Katin Reinhardt.

In January, Smith said, "I'm going to be the point guard next year. I know my time will come."

But now he's looking at other options, including DePaul and Illinois. Smith, who has two years of eligibility remaining, plans to petition the NCAA for a waiver in hopes of playing immediately.

"Reggie does want to be closer to home and closer to his family, and he's going to look for a situation where he can be a starter and a big contributor," said Rebels coach Dave Rice, who holds two open scholarships after granting Smith his release.

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