Rebels land commitment from Tervell Beck, a 6-foot-7 forward from Cleveland

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Published Wednesday, March 1, 2017 | 3:14 p.m.

Updated Wednesday, March 1, 2017 | 3:45 p.m.

A few hours before UNLV is set to say goodbye to their graduating players on Senior Night, the program got a commitment from a future Rebel.

Class of 2017 forward Tervell Beck pledged to UNLV on Wednesday, just a day after completing an official visit. Beck, a 6-foot-7 native of Cleveland, chose the Rebels over Ole Miss, Houston and Arizona State.

Beck was originally a three-star recruit in the Class of 2016, when he averaged 25.2 points per game for Central Catholic High School as a senior. He is now completing a post-grad year at OnPoint Academy in El Reno, Okla., and will join the Rebels this summer.

Beck said he developed a trusting relationship with the UNLV coaching staff, and that he’s excited to bring his tough-nosed style of play to Las Vegas.

“The coaches tell me one thing they like about my game is I bring a lot of toughness, and they said that can help the program,” Beck said. “For people to recognize that I’m a tough player, that means a lot to me.”

Beck is the third player to commit to UNLV for 2017, joining juco forward Anthony Smith and prep guard Jay Green.

What Beck’s commitment means for the program:

Talent infusion

Beck was viewed as a top 200 prospect when he was a high school senior, and his extra year of physical maturity should help him come in and compete for minutes right away. With the Rebels rebuilding and in desperate need of a talent infusion, the door is open for Beck to make an impact as a freshman in 2017-18.

A hard-working combo forward, Beck stressed that he has no problem earning his minutes.

“I’m not worried too much about playing time,” Beck said. “I’m just worried about my own situation, and the rest of it is all going to work out.”

Class full (for now)

With Beck’s commitment, UNLV now has a balanced roster ledger, with three players heading out this offseason and three players coming in. But that doesn’t mean the Rebels are done recruiting.

College basketball rosters are always in flux — some of the current non-seniors are bound to transfer in search of better situations, and some of them will be recruited over — and Menzies and his staff are still involved in recruiting 2017 prospects. With the program in need of talent, look for Menzies to keep adding as many good players as possible, no matter how many scholarships appear to be available at the moment.

Finisher

UNLV’s biggest weakness in Year 1 under Menzies has been the players’ inability to finish easy shots around the rim. Beck, a 6-foot-7 bruiser, should help improve the Rebels’ shooting percentages in the paint.

When asked how he prefers to play offense, Beck said he’s all about getting to the hoop and cashing in.

“I just attack the basket,” Beck said. “That’s something coaches like about me. I’ve got that aggression to keep attacking the basket, and I make smart decisions when I get inside.”

You can see Beck's finishing ability on display in this highlight video with his AAU team, the Cleveland 216ers:

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.