UNLV backcourt doesnt take a back seat to any on the West Coast. They go at least four deep, with a probable three-guard starting lineup that includes returning starters Wink Adams and Rene Rougeau and Memphis transfer TreVon Willis.
Adams was a first-team All-Mountain West selection last season after leading the team in scoring and finishing second in assists. Adams, a former five-star prospect, can score from the perimeter (62 3-pointers) or blow past defenders and get to the basket. He also took better care of the ball last season, raising his assist-to-turnover ratio to a career-best 1.61-to-1. The Rebels were 10-1 in games in which Adams reached the 20-point mark, with the only loss coming to eventual national champion Kansas in the second round of the NCAA tournament. He has made 92 consecutive starts and has raised his scoring average each of his first three seasons.
Rougeau gives Lon Kruger a little bit of everything and a whole lot of defense, which has endeared him to the coach. He ranked second in the league in steals, fifth in blocks and seventh in rebounding, and he is the Rebels best defender. All of that despite being a 6-6, 210-pound guard. The coaching staff hopes he relinquishes the title of leading rebounder to 7-foot redshirt freshman center Beas Hamga, but the Rebels know whenever they need a key stop or rebound, Rougeau will be there.
Willis proved that hell be a good fit on the teams summer exhibition trip to Australia. He averaged 15.2 points as the Rebels went 4-2 against Aussie pro teams, and he led UNLV in assists. From what the coaching staff has seen, he has excellent shooting range (he led the team Down Under by shooting 40.6 percent from 3-point range) and makes good decisions with the ball. Hell run the point, taking over for the departed Curtis Terry.
The player who looks as if he may make a big jump this season is Mareceo Rutledge. A minor contributor (3.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg) last season after transferring from junior college, he averaged 13.3 points and 6.5 rebounds, knocked down 10 3-pointers and led the team in free-throw shooting (18 of 21, for 85.7 percent) in Australia.
Frontcourt
Joe Darger returns after starting all 35 games last season and averaging 11.3 points, second on the team. Hes another dangerous perimeter shooter (67 3-pointers, second on the team), and when hes going good, so are the Rebels. UNLV went 12-1 last season in games in which Darger made at least three 3-pointers. He also is one of three senior starters, bringing leadership and a steadying influence as well as a clear understanding of Krugers system.
The new starter up front is Hamga. He redshirted last season, giving him time to get acclimated on the court and in the classroom. He gives the Rebels size and a shot-blocking threat, something they didnt have last season. The coaching staff is trying to temper expectations, and Hamga didnt light it up on the Australian tour. He led the Rebels in rebounding (7.5), but he struggled offensively. He averaged just 4.5 points per game and shot 32.2 percent (10 of 31). UNLV doesnt need Hamga to score that much. If he gives them 7.5 rebounds and 2.0 blocks and alters some shots along the way, coaches will be more than thrilled.
Junior college transfer Darris Santee will be the first Rebel off the bench in the frontcourt. Hes a sound player who rebounds well and is crafty around the basket. He also can step out and shoot from 12 to 15 feet.
Junior forward Matt Shaw (6.9 ppg, 4.0 rpg) was lost for the season with an ACL tear in his right knee suffered in a June pickup game.
Offense
The Rebels will look to score in transition, then will settle into a motion offense. They also run some sets in the halfcourt. They will continue to be perimeter-oriented and shoot the 3-pointer, frequently utilizing ball screens to take advantage of their guards ability to penetrate or shoot.
Defense
The Rebels always are a tough defensive team (second in the MWC last season, yielding 62.3 ppg), primarily utilizing a man-to-man. Kruger will mix in some zone looks, but he used less zone last season. Hamgas presence means the coach can tinker with different looks.
Shoes to Fill
G Curtis Terry. He emerged as a steadying influence last season, leading the Rebels in assists (he also led the league), assist-to-turnover ratio and 3-point percentage.
Must Step Up
Willis. Hes the guy who has to step into Terrys role.
Impact Newcomer
Hamga. All he has to do is hit the boards. And he has the size, ability and hands to do that.
