Busting Brackets
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Nevada Basetball: 2018-19 keys for the Wolf Pack at Fresno State

By Tristan Freeman

RENO, NEVADA - JANUARY 02: Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack talks to teammate Jordan Brown #21 of the Nevada Wolf Pack near the end of the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Utah State Aggies at Lawlor Events Center on January 02, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
RENO, NEVADA - JANUARY 02: Caleb Martin #10 of the Nevada Wolf Pack talks to teammate Jordan Brown #21 of the Nevada Wolf Pack near the end of the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Utah State Aggies at Lawlor Events Center on January 02, 2019 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /
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RENO, NV – NOVEMBER 06: Corey Henson #2 of the Nevada Wolf Pack looks to pass the ball during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Brigham Young Cougars at Lawlor Events Center on November 6, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images)
RENO, NV – NOVEMBER 06: Corey Henson #2 of the Nevada Wolf Pack looks to pass the ball during the game between the Nevada Wolf Pack and the Brigham Young Cougars at Lawlor Events Center on November 6, 2018 in Reno, Nevada. (Photo by Jonathan Devich/Getty Images) /

3. Continue growing the bench

This key isn’t just for this game but also for the season itself, as new faces are starting to emerge in the Wolf Pack’s rotation. Senior leader Caleb Martin offered to go to the bench after the bad performance against New Mexico, with Corey Henson filling in. He fell out of the rotation, not playing more than six minutes in a span of seven straight games. The Wagner transfer had his best game in a Nevada uniform, going for 15 points, seven assists and four steals.

Another player who made his starting debut against San Jose State was McDonald’s All-American Jordan Brown. Like Henson, his minutes dwindled in the heart of non-conference play but he’s also getting a new look. Even though the team has been winning, the sluggish starts have prompted concern, with the Lobos loss making it a real issue. The coaching staff now seems to be examining everything, giving players that haven’t played much new hope at more minutes. That includes Nisre Zouzoua, who is still a former 20 ppg scorer at the D-I level.

Next. Top 25 Power Rankings. dark

Regardless of who starts or who gets minutes in the end, it’s important for the Wolf Pack to continue tweaking and seeing which lineups ultimately work, as advancing in March is the ultimate goal. These players will have a good test on Saturday against Fresno State, so it’ll be interesting to see who sees the floor versus a very respectable opponent.