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UNLV Basketball: 2021-22 season preview and outlook for Runnin’ Rebels

By Jason Burgess

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 20: (L-R) Assistant coaches Tim Buckley and Kevin Kruger, head coach T.J. Otzelberger, assistant coach DeMarlo Slocum and director of basketball operations DeShawn Henry of the UNlV Rebels stand on the court as the American national anthem is performed before their game against the Texas State Bobcats at the Thomas & Mack Center on November 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bobcats defeated the Rebels 64-57. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 20: (L-R) Assistant coaches Tim Buckley and Kevin Kruger, head coach T.J. Otzelberger, assistant coach DeMarlo Slocum and director of basketball operations DeShawn Henry of the UNlV Rebels stand on the court as the American national anthem is performed before their game against the Texas State Bobcats at the Thomas & Mack Center on November 20, 2019 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bobcats defeated the Rebels 64-57. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) /
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West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jordan McCabe Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports
West Virginia Mountaineers guard Jordan McCabe Ben Queen-USA TODAY Sports /

Runnin’ Rebels outlook in 2021-22

UNLV has been trying to recapture their glory days for over 30 years and it’s time for fans to forget about a name coach to put fannies in the seats and get back to what will really bring people to the Thomas & Mack Center, winning basketball. The team hasn’t been made the NCAA Tournament since 2008, and since their back-to-back final fours, the Runnin’ Rebels record in the Big Dance is just 3-8.

Now, I don’t think this team has the ceiling of a tournament team, but anything can happen when you host the conference tournament. With an intriguing mix of transfers and one of the best players in the conference in Hamilton returning. UNLV has the ability to be a top-4 team in the Mountain West behind San Diego State, Nevada, and Colorado State in some order.

With the pieces that were brought in to help Hamilton, scoring shouldn’t be an issue. The two big questions for UNLV are, how will they defend? Last season they gave up 67.5 points per game and allowed opponents to shoot 42% from the field. Those numbers are very respectable but the additions of Muoka and some Big 12 toughness from McCabe, Hamm, Jr., and Williams could improve them even more.

Next. Top 30 frontcourt players for 2021-22 season. dark

Probably most importantly, how will the point guard duties shake out, and will Webster and McCabe be able to handle the job? If both those questions are answered affirmatively then the Runnin’ Rebels are a top-four team in the Mountain West, if not, another middle of the pack finish could be in the offing in Vegas.