Busting Brackets
Fansided

UNLV Basketball: 2019-20 season preview for Runnin’ Rebels

By Jason Burgess

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 22: Pyrotechnics shoot from the hands of UNLV Rebels mascot Hey Reb before the team's game against the New Mexico Lobos at the Thomas & Mack Center on January 22, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rebels defeated the Lobos 74-58. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - JANUARY 22: Pyrotechnics shoot from the hands of UNLV Rebels mascot Hey Reb before the team's game against the New Mexico Lobos at the Thomas & Mack Center on January 22, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Rebels defeated the Lobos 74-58. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 5
Next
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) /

How will the new faces mesh with the returning Rebels

When looking at the Rebels on the floor, you can expect Hardy to have the ball in his hands and Diong will be an anchor in the middle, the other three spots are debatable, although Antonio is likely to get the first stab at the shooting guard spot next to Hardy. With Tillman secure, he will likely play at one forward spot, while the last spot will likely go to the senior Blair. Even with Tillman getting a waiver, Otzelberger could change things a bit. Hardy, Antonio, and Diong would still start, but Otzelberger could opt to go to a three-guard lineup, playing Blair and Hamilton together at times.

There won’t be a ton of experience on the bench for UNLV next season, Shibel and 6-11 245lb. junior from Mali Cheickna Dembele whose best season came as a freshman when he averaged four points and 4.4 rebounds. In the backcourt, Mitrou-Long will be the key reserve, and it would be a big boost to the Rebels if he was able to regain his offensive form of two years ago.

The other two reserves are 6-5 sophomore who didn’t play last season and only appeared in 15 games as a freshman and 6-2 sophomore Marvin Coleman who only played in 11 games last season.