Busting Brackets
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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) /
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LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Cheikh Mbacke Diong #34 of the UNLV Rebels is called for an offensive charge as he runs into Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center on February 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – FEBRUARY 28: Cheikh Mbacke Diong #34 of the UNLV Rebels is called for an offensive charge as he runs into Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack during their game at the Thomas & Mack Center on February 28, 2018 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /

Key reserves for UNLV

The rest of the Rebels’ rotation should consist of the two remaining big men, the odd man out in the Hardy/Woodbury/Hamilton competition, a returning guard and a couple of newcomers.

The key returning reserve for Menzies is senior guard Kris Clyburn. After attending Ranger College in Texas, Clyburn arrived at UNLV making 22 starts in 2016-17. Last season he started 20 games and averaged 7.3 points and 3.2 rebounds. Clyburn is the team’s returning player with the most three-point attempts. The other guard who could see rotational minutes for the UNLV is Noah Robotham who joins the Rebels for his senior season after transferring from Akron.

The hometown Robotham started every game for the Zips in 2016-17, averaging 8.9 points, two rebounds and three assists for a team that went to the NIT. Robotham could find himself in the starting line up based on experience, but a reserve role seems more likely.

Joel Ntambwe is a 6-9 forward from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who played high school ball at Aspire Academy in Louisville, Kentucky. At 6-9 Ntambwe adds versatility to the team with his ability as a passer and to create his own shot. As a senior, he shot 48% from the field while averaging 13 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 3.7 assists.