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The last time I tried to do a UNLV basketball roster projection, it was a near-impossible task. Not only was the team incomplete at the time — Nick Blake had yet to leave, Bryce Hamilton had yet to return and James Hampshire had yet to commit — some of the newcomers were unknown quantities.
Nearly three months later, the picture is a little clearer. The roster is set, and in the meantime I’ve been able to watch video of the incoming players, break down their skill sets and build a more informed opinion on how coach Kevin Kruger will deploy them once the games begin.
With that research forming the backbone of this piece, let’s look at the latest UNLV roster projection:
STARTING LINEUP
Guard: Jordan McCabe, senior
We saw what UNLV looked like last year when forced to play long stretches without a true point guard, so while it may be tempting to slot in a better shooter/scorer here, McCabe is the player best equipped to handle the ball, distribute in the half-court and keep the offense in sync. If the veteran hits more than 28.3% from 3-point range (his rate over three years at West Virginia), that will be a bonus.
Guard: Mike Nuga, senior
When Kruger describes the type of offense he wants to run, with continuous ball screens and guards attacking downhill, it sounds like he is describing Nuga. That makes me pretty confident the Kent State transfer will find himself in the starting five, giving the team an efficient scoring wing (17.8 points, 62.8% true shooting last year) alongside Bryce Hamilton.
Guard: Bryce Hamilton, junior
Hamilton’s decision to return to college for another season was a boon for UNLV, which can definitely use a player with his ability to create offense off the dribble. Hamilton wasn’t at his most effective last year (43.0% shooting, 31.3% from 3-point range), but he could see a boost in his efficiency numbers if Kruger refrains from asking him to isolate against set defenses so often.
Forward: Victor Iwuakor, junior
There are a number of ways Kruger can go with this position. If he wants a long, defensive-minded wing, he can turn to Donovan Williams. If he wants more shooting, he can downsize with guards Justin Webster or Josh Baker. As it stands, I think he’ll opt for Iwuakor, a versatile frontcourt defender who will make everyone’s life easier on that end of the court.
Center: Royce Hamm, senior
In the first roster projection I had David Muoka penciled in here, but after watching video I’m ready to make Hamm the favorite for the starting center job. Hamm doesn’t have the flashy block stats of Muoka, but he is a heady, steady defender who will check off all his assignments, including screen-setting and defensive rebounding. And he’s a more capable offensive player than Muoka, who is still developing.
BENCH (rotation)
Guard: Justin Webster, junior
Webster was a starter in the first roster projection, but now he’s the leader of what looks to be a very strong second unit. He scored 12.3 points per game and hit 37.8% of his 3-pointers last year, making him a tremendous reserve option.
Guard: Josh Baker, junior
Baker put up intriguing numbers at the junior college level (16.6 points, 41.8 3FG%), but he’ll have to beat out incumbent Marvin Coleman and incoming freshman Keshon Gilbert for minutes.
Forward: Donovan Williams, junior
In terms of physical tools, Williams might be the most talented player on the roster. He checks in at a long, athletic 6-foot-7, but his skill level is still developing (30.4 FG%, 17.4 3FG% last year). If he puts it all together, he’ll rocket up the depth chart.
Center: David Muoka, junior
Muoka has a natural talent for blocking shots, which is how he won the Southland Conference’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2020-21, but the rest of his game needs refinement. Look for making his development a priority this season.
BENCH (depth)
Guard: Marvin Coleman, senior
Aside from McCabe, Coleman is the only other true point guard on the roster, which may give him a clear path to rotational playing time if he can stay healthy. Shin splints limited him to just six games last year.
Guard: Keshon Gilbert, freshman
Gilbert is a high-energy, hard-charging rookie with potential, especially on the defensive end. But the backcourt depth chart means he’ll have to play extremely well in order to earn consistent minutes.
Forward: Reece Brown, sophomore
Former coach T.J. Otzelberger was always high on Brown’s potential, with the caveat that he is a long-term project. Brown’s learning curve will continue this season.
Center: James Hampshire, senior
Hampshire isn’t mobile or athletic enough to play extended minutes, but he’ll come in handy when UNLV needs to park a big body under the basket once in a while.
Mike Grimala can be reached at 702-948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Mike on Twitter at twitter.com/mikegrimala.
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