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Having a guy like Bryce Jones waiting in the wings is one thing, but to have two such players as redshirts? Priceless.

Khem Birch (6'8", 220 pounds) should fit into the power forward slot and provide protection for Mike Moser as well as scoring and rebounding underneath.



Birch, a native of Montreal, Canada, also has been practicing with the team after transferring from Pittsburgh. He was ranked the No. 9 incoming freshman this year by Lindy’s College Basketball 2011-2012 and was named a McDonald’s High School All-American. He led the West in points (15), rebounds (10) and blocked shots (six) in the annual classic. Birch also was named second-team USA Today All-American.



Birch played at Notre Dame Prep in Fitchburg, Mass., where he averaged 18 points, 13 boards and six blocks.

Because of NCAA transfer rules, Birch will have to sit out two semesters and will be eligible to play for UNLV only after the completion of the fall 2012 semester. He will officially be a sophomore and will have two years of eligibility remaining.