Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

UNLV basketball:

Countdown to tip-off: Reinhardt brings swagger and skill to the guard spots

The week leading up to UNLV’s first regular season game the Sun will highlight one Rebel each day. Today: freshman Katin Reinhardt

Katin Reinhardt

Sam Morris / Las Vegas Sun

UNLV freshman guard Katin Reinhardt.

UNLV Runnin' Rebel Katin Reinhardt

UNLV guard Katin Reinhardt drives to the basket during their game against Canisius Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012 at the Thomas & Mack. The Runnin' Rebels won 89-74. Launch slideshow »

UNLV fans have been waiting for Katin Reinhardt’s arrival since cheering him on and helping sway him to the Rebels during the summer before his senior year. While playing in AAU tournaments in Las Vegas he was welcomed with several chants and pleas to wear scarlet and gray.

Reinhardt has the talent and ability to come in and be a factor this season, and that could even mean taking the big shot at the end of a close game. Much like sophomore Bryce Dejean-Jones, a fellow Californian who’s eligible this year after sitting out as a transfer, Reinhardt has the reputation as someone who hates losing more than he enjoys winning. That’s an attribute that may have been missing from last year’s team and just one of the things Reinhardt brings to the Rebels.

Although Reinhardt said he sees himself as a point guard, he can play both guard spots well because of his ability to hit spot-up 3-pointers or drive to the basket. He’ll likely be the backup to primary point guard Anthony Marshall while also putting in some time at the other guard spot while Marshall or fellow senior Justin Hawkins run the offense.

The wave of incoming talent to Las Vegas started with Reinhardt’s commitment. He will also have a lot to say in where this season ends.

Vitals

Ht Wt Yr Pos. Major

6-5 210 Fr G Undecided

How he got to UNLV

Reinhardt was the second commit to this recent recruiting class, behind freshman Daquan Cook, but the first to send waves through national recruiting circles. Reinhardt had originally committed to stay close to home at USC. When he reopened his recruitment in May 2011 Reinhardt eventually jumped at the opportunity of building something of his own as a Rebel rather than going to a more established power like Texas, Syracuse or Baylor.

What they’re saying

“The guy to keep an eye on may end up being freshman Katin Reinhardt, a 6-foot-5, top 50 scoring guard out of Mater Dei High School. Reinhardt’s a terrific shooter with a bit of flair to his game; he’ll make a few people look silly with his handle and passing ability.”

NBC Sports

"When I watch him, I think 'Bobby Sura.' That was enough for me to find a spot for him. He's athletic, aggressive and can also make shots — and has good size.

CBS Sports

"Reinhardt, the Los Angeles Times’ 2012 Player of the Year, has been compared by Rice, a former BYU assistant, to ex-Cougars’ star Jimmer Fredette for his long-range shooting and playmaking abilities."

Athlon Sports

Rice's take

"Katin is versatile and loves to play. He comes to practice every day with the goal of getting better. He will be a big part of what we do."

In his own words

"As the games progress I think we're going to get continually better. There's not going to be a regression, we're going to keep playing and going forward. It's going to take us a few games but that's what happens with all teams. It takes a few games to get into and see how they play together."

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.

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