Our non-conference preview series shifts focus from the Missouri Tigers to the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels, the Memphis Tigers’ second opponent in their non-conference slate. The Rebels are coming off a successful 2023-2024 season, recording their first winning season in over a decade. With renewed momentum, UNLV looks to continue building on last season’s success as they prepare to challenge Memphis in what promises to be another competitive matchup.
UNLV Runnin’ Rebels 2023-2024 Season Recap
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels finished the 2023-2024 season with a strong overall record of 21-13, placing them as the fourth seed in the Mountain West Conference standings. While this marked their best season in over a decade, it wasn’t enough to secure an NCAA tournament berth. Their promising campaign came to a heartbreaking close in the Mountain West Conference tournament, where they suffered a narrow 74-71 overtime defeat to San Diego State.
Despite falling short in the conference tournament, the Rebels accepted an invitation to the National Invitational Tournament (NIT), ending the season on a positive note. Heading into the conference tournament, UNLV had won 10 of their last 12 games, with significant victories over ranked opponents such as San Diego State, Colorado State, and New Mexico State.
Their run in the NIT lasted until the third round, where Seton Hall, 91-61, decisively beat them. Even though their season ended earlier than hoped, the Rebels had a solid non-conference showing, finishing 7-5 with three consecutive wins to cap off the slate. The highlight of their non-conference schedule was a dominant 79-64 victory over the eighth-ranked Creighton Bluejays. However, losses to teams such as Florida State, Stetson, Richmond, and Loyola Marymount were resume killers that ultimately hurt their case for an NCAA tournament spot.
One of the biggest takeaways from the Rebels’ 2023-2024 campaign was the emergence of guard Dedan Thomas Jr. In his freshman season, Thomas averaged 13.6 points and 5.1 assists per game, earning second-team All-Mountain West and Co-Freshman of the Year honors. As the number one ranked recruit in Las Vegas for 2024, according to On3, Thomas chose to follow in his father’s footsteps and suit up for UNLV. His breakout performance has positioned him as a key building block for the Rebels heading into the 2024-2025 season.
Current Roster Configuration
The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels faced the challenge of replacing key contributors in their backcourt during the offseason, including top scorer Keylan Boone, who exhausted his collegiate eligibility. In response, head coach Kevin Kruger and his staff moved quickly in the transfer portal to retool the roster, bringing in three guards and one forward who are expected to make an immediate impact.
Jaden Henley, a versatile 6’7″, 200-pound guard from Ontario, California, leads the group. Henley, who played his sophomore season at DePaul after starting his collegiate career at Minnesota, brings valuable experience to the Rebels’ lineup. At DePaul, Henley played in 32 games and started 23, averaging 8.6 points and 2.7 rebounds per game. Known for his ability to step up in big moments, Henley had his breakout performance against then-No. 7 ranked Marquette, where he scored a career-high 19 points. Henley is expected to fill the void left by Boone and provide a much-needed scoring presence for the Rebels.
Another key addition is Jace Whiting, a familiar face in the Mountain West Conference. The 6’3″, 188-pound guard spent his first two seasons at Boise State, where he played 66 games and started 11. Although he averaged 3.2 points and 1.7 rebounds per game, his breakout came during his sophomore year when he scored 10 points and shot 66.7% from beyond the arc in a victory against Wyoming. Whiting is expected to form a formidable backcourt duo with Dedan Thomas Jr., creating a dynamic combination to drive the Rebels’ offensive play this season.
Jailen Bedford is another exciting transfer to watch. The 6’4″, 180-pound guard played all 31 games at Oral Roberts University last season, where he finished second on the team in scoring with 14.6 points per game. He also added 6.4 rebounds per contest, shooting 43% from the field and 38% from the three-point range. Bedford’s ability to score consistently, highlighted by a career-high 26-point performance against Texas Tech, will be crucial for UNLV’s offensive production. His versatility on both ends of the court adds depth and experience to the Rebels’ roster.
These four transfer portal prospects will join incoming freshmen Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry, James Evans, and Pape N’Diaye as part of the 2024-2025 class for the Rebels, giving UNLV a well-rounded and competitive squad.
Closing Statement
Although this matchup between Memphis and UNLV occurs early in the season, it carries significant weight for both teams. Memphis will be traveling to Las Vegas to face a revitalized UNLV team, and the game presents a prime opportunity for both programs to make a statement and build their NCAA tournament resumes. Hosting Memphis is a chance for the Rebels to solidify their growth from last season and showcase their newly revamped roster. Meanwhile, Memphis will aim to start the season strong with a key road victory. This high-stakes, early-season contest could prove critical when Selection Sunday rolls around, making it a must-watch for fans eager to see how both teams stack up in the 2024-2025 campaign.
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