UNLV basketball: 2017-18 season preview for the Rebels

Key Reserves

JR Anthony Smith

The other JC transfer that has people talking, Smith is an explosive athlete who didn’t even play much high school basketball. He averaged 20.5 ppg and 8.8 rpg, but it remains to be seen how it translates to division one hoops. He’s still incredibly raw as a basketball player but can immediately contribute in terms of energy until the staff can determine his suited role.

SO Cheickna Dembele and Ben Coupet Jr.

These frontcourt players received some playing time last season, but the talent surge will likely affect their minutes in a deep way.

FR Tervell Beck

The Cleveland native elected to go West rather than play for Dayton and Xavier. He’s gained a lot of muscle mass over the summer and now comes in at 6’7 230 pounds.

FR Cheikh Mbacke Diong

The top 200 freshman was a highly sought-after big man, picking UNLV over Purdue and Louisville. Diong could very well be a redshirt candidate with McCoy around, but this 6’11 raw center will be an impact player for the Rebels in the future.

FR Jay Green

The very first commit for Menzies, this Australian is a 6’5 guard with some potential at the wing. Looking at his tapes and numbers do show an unwillingness to shoot right now. The good news is that the overall depth for the team is good enough that projects like Green.