UNLV waiting for Massamba

One week after signing a letter of intent to play basketball at UNLV, Brice Massamba is the subject of unexpected drama.

In reality, however, the story's plot is paper thin.

Findlay College Prep coach Mike Peck said there is no reason for Rebels fans to be concerned that Massamba's letter still has not been delivered to UNLV.

"It's forthcoming," Peck said Tuesday. "He signed his part of it. He signed it and dated it, and I watched him do it."

After the spring signing period opened April 16, Peck said Massamba sent the letter by FedEx to his mom in Sweden. There was a delay in international delivery, Peck said, and the letter should be signed by Massamba's mom and returned "hopefully by the end of the week."

Peck said the 6-foot-10-inch, 255-pound Massamba, who made an oral commitment to UNLV in January, has not wavered on his college choice.

"There's nothing funny going on. Absolutely not," Peck said. "I can assure everybody that's not the case."

Massamba averaged 6.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 26 games for Findlay Prep, which finished the season 32-1.

"I've always said I think we've seen only a fraction of what Brice is capable of at the next level," Peck said.

Oscar Bellfield, a 6-1 point guard from Westchester High School in Los Angeles, signed with the Rebels last week.

Malcolm Thomas, a 6-9 freshman from Pepperdine, is interested in transferring to UNLV, and he visited campus last weekend. Thomas also is considering San Diego State and UCLA.

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