Roster projection 2.0: Newcomers transform UNLV into Mountain West contender

By Mike Grimala (contact)

Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023 | 2 a.m.

When I tried my hand at the first roster projection back in May, it was just weeks after Kevin Kruger had secured the bulk of the incoming recruiting class via the transfer portal. Most of those players were known quantities and were slotted into the lineup, leaving just one gaping hole in the starting five.

Since then, Kruger has put the finishing touches on the incoming class, landing blue-chip freshman point guard D.J. Thomas to run the show. I’ve also had time to go over video of each of the newcomers (with the exception of prep big man Jacob Bannarbie; video was not available), making this a good time for Version 2.0 of my annual roster projections.

For UNLV fans, it looks promising. This is the most talented, well-rounded roster Kruger has put together in his three years at the helm, with few obvious weaknesses and some potential strengths that could boost the Scarlet and Gray into the upper tier of the Mountain West.

Here’s how the rotation could look when the 2023-24 season opens in November:

STARTING LINEUP

Guard: D.J. Thomas, freshman

From the moment Thomas reclassified to the Class of 2023, there was no doubt he would be UNLV’s immediate starter at point guard, despite the fact he wasn’t able to participate in summer workouts with the team. He’s a dynamic offensive threat, and once he settles in and adapts to the college game, he should be able to consistently create open looks for his teammates. Thomas is going to play a lot and have the ball in his hands most of the time.

Guard: Keylan Boone, senior

The key question with Boone is whether he’ll be able to replicate his 3-point shooting from last year, when he increased his volume significantly and made 41.0% (beating his previous career high of 34.3%). If his accuracy does come back to earth, Boone should still be valuable due to his innate ability to move around on offense and play off the ball.

Forward: Luis Rodriguez, senior

UNLV knows exactly what it’s getting in Rodriguez. It starts with tough, versatile defense across three positions, and he boosted his offensive output to a career-high 10.7 points per game last year. He’s also a team leader. With Rodriguez as the third-best player on the team a year ago, UNLV went 19-13; if he is the fifth starter this season, it stands to reason that the win total should increase significantly.

Forward: Jalen Hill, senior

Hill is an ace defender who should thrive against scaled-down competition in the Mountain West. Offensively, it will be interesting to see if Hill’s production gets bumped by moving from a power conference to the MWC. Rodriguez, a Mississippi transfer, more than doubled his career scoring average last year; if Hill averages 12 points to go along with his terrific defense, he’s suddenly an all-conference addition.

Center: Kalib Boone, senior

Boone is a tried and true post scorer, which is something UNLV hasn’t had since Brandon McCoy roamed the paint, so Kruger will have to reconfigure the offense a little to take advantage of that skill set. More importantly, Kruger and his staff will have to devise a defensive system that allows Boone, who stands 6-foot-9, to play as the lone big man protecting the rim.

SIXTH MAN

Guard: Justin Webster, senior

Webster started 19 of 32 games last year and shot a blistering 46.0% from 3-point range. He’s basically perfect for the sixth-man role, where he’ll likely see 25 minutes per game and have the green light to fire away from deep. If he and Keylan Boone can maintain their accuracy, they’ll give UNLV two floor-stretchers that defenses will be forced to respect at all times.

BENCH (rotation)

Forward: Rob Whaley, junior

Kalib Boone gives UNLV one premier post threat, and Whaley gives them two. He was truly unstoppable around the basket at the juco level, where he barreled through, danced around and scored over opponents anytime he got the ball in the paint. He’ll be a key reserve when Kruger wants more frontcourt offense.

Forward: Shane Nowell, junior

Nowell got 16.7 minutes per game last year and is in line for a nice bump as long as he continues to hone his handle and his 3-point shot.

Center: Isaiah Cottrell, senior

Cottrell did not participate in summer workouts, as he’s still recovering from the foot injury that kept him out for almost all of the 2022-23 season. He is expected to be ready for the start of preseason practice.

Guard: Jackie Johnson, junior

Any team that plans to start a true freshman at point guard would do well to have a veteran ready behind him. Johnson can fill that role for UNLV.

BENCH (depth)

Center: Karl Jones, senior

Jones wasn’t ready for minutes last year. He’s in better shape now, but there are two centers clearly ahead of him on the depth chart (and a third if the coaches believe Whaley can log minutes in the middle).

Guard: Brooklyn Hicks, freshman

Hicks has potential, but his chances at a significant role this season took a hit when Thomas signed. He’s an intriguing offensive prospect who may have to wait a year for his opportunity to come.

Center: Jacob Bannarbie, freshman

A late summer signee, the 6-foot-9 Bannarbie figures to see few minutes in his first year.

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