UNLV Basketball: 2023-24 season preview for the Rebels

Projected starters

Interestingly, from stats and experience alone, the best starting lineup might shake out to be all fifth-year guys. It seems like the team is going to focus on establishing depth for guys to step into bigger roles in future seasons, but for now your best scorers and playmakers are the fifth-year crew.

Point Guard – Justin Webster (Fifth Year)
UNLV is very light in guard depth on paper with really two guys that fit a more traditional point role. For the starting position, Justin Webster has to take the cake for a few reasons. First, Webster is one of the more experience guys on the team as a fifth year seeing the floor in each of his previous for seasons. Two of which have been with the Rebels for some continuity in the program, which as earlier stated, is a bit of a weak point for UNLV. Second, he posted one of the better stat lines last season for the Rebels as far as guards who will be there this coming year with a respectable percentage from three while also fitting the size and play style of a point.

Shooting Guard – Luis Rodriguez (Fifth Year)

Having been a starter in 22 games last year, Rodriguez will be a much needed player to step in and pick up where he left off last season. After spending four seasons at Ole Miss with playing time in each, he really stepped things up last year averaging almost 11 PPG and shooting an improvable, but respectable clip from three to fit nicely into this role. Among the other positions, I expect this spot with Rodriguez to be split the most likely with one of the freshman guards which we will get into later.

Small Forward – Jalen Hill (Fifth Year)

Coming in from some solid seasons with Oklahoma, Jalen Hill is a much needed presence with legitimate playing time at a high level. Hill focuses on having a bit more of an interior presence, but has the ability to pop out and make shot from deep from time to time. The biggest aspect he can bring is athleticism and defense with his length.

Keylan Boone 
Coming from Pacific last year after three seasons with Oklahoma State, Keylan Boone really shined. In a breakout season, he doubled a lot of metrics along his stat line. Now of course this could be a byproduct of the move from the Big 12 to the WCC, however, it still shows his potential at the collegiate level. His production could translate more easily into the Mountain West Conference for UNLV where he can attain similar numbers to his 2022-2023 campaign as a great

Kalib Boone
As part one of the Boone brothers reuniting, Kalib serves as a great adittion for size and scoring ability. Having spent his previous four seasons with the Oklahoma State Cowboys, and averaging above ten points per game last season, Kalib is a bright spot addition wise for UNLV. Additionally, playing again with his brother could help the developing chemistry of the team move along a bit faster with these two having playing experience. Kalib can also provide some rim protection and can grab boards which will be a great supplement to the team at the five.