O’Bannon Makes It Official: Las Vegas

Although Nevada Las Vegas is under investigation by the NCAA, Ed O’Bannon of Artesia High School in Lakewood announced Thursday that he will attend UNLV next fall. He said, though, that he will not sign a letter of intent before Tuesday’s deadline.

O’Bannon, a 6-foot-8 center-forward who led the Pioneers to the Southern Section 4-A championship and the state Division II title last season, said at a news conference at Artesia that he understands the ramifications of his decision.

“The investigation made it a really difficult decision,” he said.

Jerry Tarkanian, UNLV coach, suggested during a home visit March 15 that O’Bannon come without signing the letter of intent, O’Bannon said.

“It is somewhat of a gamble, but (attending UNLV) is something he wanted to do,” said O’Bannon’s mother, Madeline.

O’Bannon said he will sign scholarship papers, but by not signing the letter of intent, he is hoping to have an option if the NCAA announces the outcome of its investigation this summer. Under investigation are alleged violations stemming from Las Vegas’ recruiting of Lloyd Daniels, a former New York high school star.

The NCAA has not yet sent an official list of charges to UNLV. Once a school receives the list, it usually has 90 days to respond.

If the sanctions are announced after O’Bannon is on campus, he cannot leave without penalty because his eligibility will presumably exceed the years of penalties.

“I think I would stick it out no matter what,” O’Bannon said.

O’Bannon’s situation is similar to another Southern California prep star, Shon Tarver of Oxnard Santa Clara. Tarver also has orally committed to attend UNLV and will not sign a letter of intent.

UNLV, which has four starters from its 1989-90 national championship team returning next season, signed only one player this spring--H Waldman of Las Vegas Clark High School.

Also returning are 6-10 redshirt George Ackles and three reserves. Seven-footer Elmore Spencer is transferring from an Oklahoma community college. Three other transfers--Melvin Love, Bobby Joyce and Evrick Gray--are attending UNLV in attempts to become academically eligible.

O’Bannon chose UNLV over Arizona State, Syracuse, USC and UCLA.