UNLV on Tuesday officially announced the arrival of Quintrell Thomas, a transfer from Kansas University.

Thomas, a 6-foot-8, 250-pound forward who has enrolled in classes at UNLV, will have to sit out the 2009-10 season because of NCAA transfer rules and will be eligible to play for the Runnin’ Rebels as a sophomore in 2010-11.

“Quintrell is an athletic big man and we are excited to have him as part of our program,” Rebels’ coach Lon Kruger said. “He will make us better next year as our guys work against him in practice every day, and, of course, when he does have a chance to play, he has the ability to be a difference-maker.”