[JNixonParticipant]

Let them out. Sorry guys

29: UNLV Runnin’ Rebels

Frontcourt- The starting big man figures to be Swedish Jr. Brice Massamba, a 6’10 240 lber. Massamba is a long and very athletic big who will flash the ability to make a big-time move or finish that makes you think he can be a guy who emerges in the next year or so. Right now, he has a low IQ and his game is raw though. I look for him to get about 8 ppg and 6 rpg next year though. The SF/PF spot will be manned by Chance Stanback, a 6’7 205 UCLA transfer. Stanback possesses good athleticism and length, which helps on D and as a finisher around the rim, and he has decent shooting skills too. Stanback is a willing rebounder too, and a very good transition player. He needs to get better shot selection on the perimeter, but he has the ability to develop into an efficient shooter. Matt Shaw is a good player too off the bench. Shaw, a 7 ppg scorer, is a 6’8 240 stretch PF who can drain the 3 (45% on the deep ball) and bang on skinnier posts. He’s a poor rebounder though (2.8 rpg in 15 mpg) and not athletic. The frontline has role-players, and even though Stanback figures to step up even more as the combo forward for them, the C spot needs to come together for UNLV to really make noise.
Backcourt- Tre’Von Willis is criminally slept on. Freddette to me is better, but Willis outplayed him head-to-head except for in the MVC tourney game. Willis is a streak shooter who is also a slashing threat. He’s not the quickest player or the most physically gifted guy, but he’s a great scorer at the MVC level. He faces an assault charge for strangling a female, so it’ll be interesting to see if he’s cleared for next year. If not, it would chance the outlook for this squad. The guard rotation is deep, and is manned by guys like Anthony Marshall, Oscar Bellifield, Derrick Jasper, Kendall Wallace. The 6’3 Marshall has a good feel for the game and never tried to overdo anything last season, plays with intensity, is a solid defender, and he possesses a solid in-between game. He doesn’t pass the ball much and he needs to work on extending his shooting range (1-23 on 3’s last year). I think Marshall has a chance to raise his scoring and assists next year though, to around 10 ppg and 3 apg. Bellifield is a 6’2 185 Soph. PG with the ability to make plays for others while taking care of the ball (4.8 apg/1.9 topg) in the drive and dish. He’s an improved shooter from 3 too, and an energetic defender, but he needs to get stronger and work on finishing around the rim. Jasper is a 6’6 210 combo guard (but true PG) with solid handle and passing skills. Jasper takes care of the ball, is a very good rebounder from the wing, and is a Swiss army knife as a perimeter defender, but he can’t shoot and he rarely looks to score. He needs the ball to be effective, though he’s not talented enough to really dominate the ball. Wallace is the designated shooter of the group and a guy who doesn’t try to do too much. This group has lots of talent, but they will take a sizeable hit if Willis can’t play.

Overview- Lon Kruger is a very solid coach, with K-State roots. He has a team full of athletic guys and talented players on the wings, and raw but intriguing guys in the frontcourt. Willis is a stud, with him, they are a 2-and-out team, but if his assault situation gets him off the team for UNLV, they will be an NIT team. Let’s hope he’s innocent and can play.

[Toronto16Participant]

I’m sure Shawn Marion was quite upset you never included them earlier….

[Toronto16Participant]

I’m sure Shawn Marion was quite upset you never included them earlier….

[juicejc1Participant]

Isn’t he a junior?

[juicejc1Participant]

Isn’t he a junior?

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