UNLV coach T.J. Otzelberger is transforming the program in his image. It started last season, when he installed his play style (and instilled his own brand of discipline) on a roster he largely inherited. The next step in that process will be to build around players and recruits who come with the Otzelberger stamp of approval.
That phase of the plan will start to play out on the court in 2020-21, as Otzelberger is bringing in a massive recruiting class of nine hand-picked newcomers.
Sheer numbers alone dictate that this class is going to have a huge impact on the team’s fortunes this year. And after spending the summer researching each player individually, I think we can begin to project how the new guys are most likely to contribute and what kind of roles they will play.
Grouping each of the newcomers into tiers, let's project the incoming class:
IMPACT PLAYERS
David Jenkins, junior
Jenkins' status as an impact player was obvious from the moment he committed to UNLV as a transfer last summer. The 2020-21 squad is being retooled around his skill set, and the ball will be in his hands from the opening tip. He’s a star scorer on every level and will play big minutes, forming a starting backcourt trio with Bryce Hamilton and Marvin Coleman.
Best skill: Shooting
Nick Blake, freshman
Blake spent a post-grad year at IMG Academy, one of the nation’s premier PG programs, so he comes in more ready to contribute than most freshmen. His size and movement ability should give him more paths to playing time, as he can line up in the backcourt or potentially as a forward in small-ball lineups. Blake may not start, but he will play 20-plus minutes per game.
Best skill: Driving
Edoardo Del Cadia, junior
A junior-college product, Del Cadia can fill the gaps in the frontcourt, bringing shooting and passing ability to the power forward or center position, depending on the lineup. As long as Del Cadia can handle the jump in talent from juco to Division I, he should battle for a starting frontcourt job.
Best skill: Offensive versatility
ROTATION PLAYERS
Devin Tillis, freshman
Smarts and shooting ability are what Tillis brings to the table. He’s not an explosive athlete and his highlight tape won’t wow you, but he makes the right pass and spaces the floor. Those are two skills that will earn him a look in Otzelberger’s offense. Tillis has “glue guy” written all over him.
Best skill: IQ
Moses Wood, sophomore
Wood is a sharpshooter through and through. He’s tall and can stretch the floor beyond the corners and the wings, which will come in handy on nights when UNLV is less-consistent shooters aren’t making jumpers. Wood’s playing time will ultimately be determined by his defense; if he can be passable on that end of the floor, UNLV will be happy to let him jack 3’s at the other end.
Best skill: Catch-and-shoot
DEPTH
Donavan Yap, freshman
Yap may be the most unique player in the class. He is a pure “bombs away” point guard whose value will come from his ability to knock down shots. He’s probably not ready to helm a college offense yet, but if he hits 3-pointers he’ll earn situational minutes.
Best skill: Deep range
Jhaylon Martinez, freshman
UNLV desperately needed to infuse offensive skill into their frontcourt, and Martinez was part of that effort. He’s all potential at this point—he could develop a jump shot, and his passing/IQ shows signs of being advanced—but it’s going to take time. While the finesse aspects of his game evolve, he can use his massive frame to give UNLV an inside presence in limited minutes.
Best skill: Size/strength
DEVELOPMENTAL PLAYERS
Reece Brown, freshman
Brown is the most athletic player in the class, a 6-foot-8 forward capable of playing above the rim with ease. He could also turn into a good shooter in time. For now, he’s a finisher on offense and a shot-challenger on defense.
Best skill: Challenging shots
Isaac Lindsey, freshman
A hip injury suffered on the football field kept Lindsey from playing extensively during basketball season. With his senior campaign mostly a wash, there wasn’t much video available to study his skill set, but he’s reputation is that he can knock down outside shots. Between rehabbing from the injury and his freshman status, it’s hard to envision Lindsey seeing the court much in 2020-21.
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.
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