Q&A with UNLV target Jeremy Hemsley, a 2015 guard from California

By Taylor Bern

Friday, July 26, 2013 | 11:02 a.m.

Recruits aren’t judged by one game alone, which is good news for class of 2015 guard Jeremy Hemsley. The UNLV target struggled with two points for Superior Athletes Black in an ugly 68-60 victory against Team Detroit on Thursday afternoon at the Fab 48.

Several coaches who have been keeping tabs on the 6-foot-3 guard out of California saw the performance, including Rebels coach Dave Rice and assistants Todd Simon and Heath Schroyer. Hemsley said he had a feeling he wouldn’t be able to get his tired legs to cooperate.

“Coming in with that mentality, there’s no way I’m going to play well,” Hemsley said.

More important than what happened is how he responds the rest of the weekend. Hemsley has plenty of offers — he listed UNLV, USC, Washington and San Diego State, among others — and so there will be eyes on him everywhere he plays in Las Vegas.

When he’s not on the court, though, Hemsley said he would like to get a better look at UNLV’s campus after previously driving past it. Read what else he had to say about himself and the Rebels:

What do you consider your strengths on the court?

I think I do a good job of getting to the basket and I think I do a good job of rebounding and finding open teammates. I think I bring a lot of energy, except for today, which was a different story.

How do you plan to bounce back from Thursday’s first game?

I need to try to think positive and not put too much pressure on myself knowing that there are coaches watching me. I just have to go out there with the right mentality, and I know I’ll play better.

Do you usually notice the coaches who come out to watch you play?

I usually don’t notice them, but today I did. I knew they were going to be here and I noticed them today. That played a big part in why I played bad.

How has your recruitment with UNLV gone?

It’s going pretty good. I know Coach Rice very well, so UNLV is a top school on my list. That’s one of the schools I’m interested in.

What do you like about the Rebels?

I know their style of play is fast-paced, and that’s the type of play I like. And I know that they have sold-out games all the time, so that’s some of the things I like about UNLV.

Are there any dream schools you’re still hoping get involved?

No, I’ve never really had a dream school. Just going to college and being on TV, that’s always been the dream for me.

You’ve been in Las Vegas a few times for tournaments. What do you think of the city?

I like the bright lights and it’s a basketball-involved city. If I were to go to UNLV, it would feel like an NBA crowd every game, so that’s one of the things I like about the school and the Vegas atmosphere.

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