Locked in: UNLV basketball roster projection 4.0

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Sunday, Oct. 30, 2022 | 2 a.m.

Since the last time we attempted a roster projection, UNLV has played five competitive games against live opponents: three exhibitions against Canadian teams and two closed-door scrimmages against Division-I squads (Cal State Northridge and Southern Utah).

The results were mixed in Canada, as UNLV dropped a game to the University of British Columbia and generally did not display the tenacious defense that head coach Kevin Kruger is counting on this year. The scrimmages were not open to the media and Kruger did not disclose any of his lineup decisions, so while we may have a good idea of what the rotation will look like for the season opener on Nov. 7, nothing is concrete.

STARTING LINEUP

Guard: Keshon Gilbert, sophomore

Gilbert ended last season as UNLV’s best perimeter defender, and he has taken on added offensive responsibilities over the offseason. He says he is continuing to work on his outside shot (28.0 3FG% last season), while his drive-and-kick game has been especially effective in practice — and the team is going to need all the playmaking ability it can get.

Guard: Eli Parquet, senior

Pairing Parquet and Gilbert in the backcourt should theoretically vault UNLV’s perimeter defense to the top of the conference. If Kruger wants more offense on the floor at the beginning of games, however, Parquet could cede this spot to Jackie Johnson or even Jordan McCabe.

Guard: Elijah Harkless, senior

Harkless is back on the court and on track to play a significant role this season as UNLV’s No. 1 scoring option. He is capable of being a lead guard, which means creating offense off the dribble — for himself and for others — and he is fearless in that role. He’ll probably lead UNLV in shot attempts and scoring.

Forward: Luis Rodriguez, senior

Though he averaged a modest 6.6 points per game last year at Mississippi, Rodriguez has looked like a featured player during preseason practice. The offensive system has encouraged him to take lots of 3-pointers, and he’s a sneaky option underneath the basket and on offensive rebounds. If anyone is in line for an increase in production, it’s Rodriguez.

Center: David Muoka, senior

West Virginia transfer Isaiah Cottrell may have been pushing Muoka for this spot, but a foot injury has kept him out for the past month, clearing the path for Muoka to be the unquestioned starter at center. After posting 1.2 blocks in conference play last year, Muoka says his sights are set on the Mountain West Defensive Player of the Year award.

SIXTH MAN

Guard: Jackie Johnson, sophomore

After Wednesday’s practice, Kruger spent some time talking about Johnson’s ability to fit in the backcourt with any of UNLV’s other guards, despite his size at 5-foot-11. He’s a lock to start at some point in the season, as it’s very likely the team is going to need his quick-trigger offensive ability. In the meantime, he’s positioned here as a prototype sixth man playing starter’s minutes.

BENCH (rotation)

Guard: Jordan McCabe, senior

McCabe started 31 of 32 games last year and had a good assist-to-turnover ratio (3.4 to 1), but Kruger loaded up on guards via the transfer portal, and the guys listed ahead of him here have more dynamic traits.

Guard: Justin Webster, senior

Being the best shooter on a team is usually a surefire way to earn playing time, and that will likely be Webster’s lot. When UNLV needs to break a zone or keep an opposing defense from sagging, Kruger can turn to Webster to fire away.

Forward: Victor Iwuakor, senior

There is plenty of playing time to be had on the interior for the 6-foot-7 Iwuakor — if he can stay healthy long enough to claim it. He played through nagging injuries all last season and was still hobbled through most of preseason practice.

Center: Isaiah Cottrell, junior

Kruger gets a gleam in his eye when he talks about Cottrell’s ability to shoot from the outside at 6-foot-10, and he was stroking it very well until a foot injury sidelined him during the Canadian exhibition series. He got his walking boot removed last week, but he won’t be cleared to play for the start of the season.

BENCH (depth)

Guard: Shane Nowell, sophomore

Nowell is loaded with athletic ability at 6-foot-6, but he’s lacking in experience. The Arizona transfer could mature into a productive player down the road, but for 2022-23 he projects as a depth guard.

Forward: Keyshawn Hall, freshman

One of the more intriguing players on the roster, Hall is a burly 6-foot-6 wing player who can really put the ball on the floor. Shooting it is another story, however. Some seasoning could turn him into a good Mountain West player in time.

Center: Karl Jones, junior

Jones is an emergency option at center. Physicality is his best asset, but his lack of versatility — he is strictly an under-the-basket center — will really limit his on-court opportunities.

Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.