Busting Brackets
Fansided

UNLV Basketball: 2018-19 season preview for the Runnin’ Rebels

By Jason Burgess

LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 28: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was shot with a fisheye lens.) A general view shows the court during a pregame program before a game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center on February 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wolf Pack won 101-75. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV - FEBRUARY 28: (EDITORS NOTE: This image was shot with a fisheye lens.) A general view shows the court during a pregame program before a game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the UNLV Rebels at the Thomas & Mack Center on February 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Wolf Pack won 101-75. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Shakur Juiston
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Shakur Juiston /

Rebels Starters

With Juiston and Beck anchoring the starting lineup, the question remains how will the remaining three spots be filled. If history is any indication, Menzies likes to employ a starting lineup with a conventional big man, he did so at New Mexico State and last season with McCoy. This year he will have no shortage of options in that area. Three players all listed 6-10 or taller, all from different parts of the world could fit the bill.

Cheikh Mbacke Diong is a 6-11 sophomore forward from Senegal appeared in 30 games last season, Cheickna Dembele is a 6-11 native of Mali who saw limited action in 25 games and Djordjije Silvancanin is a 6-11 forward from Serbia who appeared in just 11 games in his first season with the Rebels. Center by committee may be the phrase of the day when it comes to the Rebel frontcourt.

The backcourt, however, could come down to a three-man battle for two spots. The incumbent is sophomore Amauri Hardy. The 6-2 native of Michigan appeared in all 33 games for the Rebels last season, averaging five points and 1.6 assists per game. Two heralded freshmen will challenge for a starting spot. 6-4 guards Trey Woodbury out of Clark High School in Las Vegas and Bryce Hamilton from California headline the Rebels’ No. 2 MWC recruiting class. Hamilton is a top-100 recruit who averaged over 24 points and eight rebounds as a junior at Pasadena High School and Woodbury is a scorer with a high basketball IQ who should be able to help the UNLV perimeter game immediately.