UNLV’s basketball program is at a true crossroads.
A new staff. A near-empty roster. A fanbase waiting to believe again.
But this isn’t about how we got here or who came before. It’s about what comes next—because for the first time in a while, there’s a chance to build something real from the ground up.
Let’s break down the foundation, the philosophy, and the path forward for the Runnin’ Rebels.
What’s in Place: The Core of the 2025–26 Roster
As of now, UNLV has five scholarship players locked in for next season. It’s a light group—but it’s not without promise:
G: Mason Abittan – Local product who recommitted post-coaching change. Shooter. Tough. Leadership traits.
G: James Evans – 4-star athlete with length and versatility. Sat out last year but has a high ceiling.
F: Tyrin Jones – Committed before the staff change and never wavered. Big frame, modern skill set.
F: Jacob Bannarbie – Active, long forward who still needs polish but brings effort and rebounding.
C: Pape N’Diaye – Mobile big who protects the rim and runs the floor. Raw, but real upside.
This isn’t a finished product. But it’s a starting point—especially when you look at how the pieces might fit into a system built for versatility, length, and development.
What UNLV Needs: Portal Targets and Priorities
With 8+ scholarships available, this offseason is everything.
Here’s what’s expected from the recruiting and transfer portal approach:
1. A Scoring Point Guard
A true lead guard is priority #1. Someone who can run the show, control pace, and play 35+ minutes. Pastner’s best teams have always featured a strong PG presence—this roster doesn’t have one yet.
2. Two-Way Wings
Multiple additions in the 6'5"–6'8" range. Guys who can defend, rebound, hit open threes. Length, switchability, and energy are non-negotiables.
3. A Stretch 4 or Mobile 5
Whether it’s a pick-and-pop big or a floor-spacing forward, the Rebels need frontcourt pieces who can keep the floor open and defend ball screens.
4. Veterans
This isn’t a freshman-heavy rebuild. Expect experienced transfers with 2+ years of eligibility. The goal: build a core, not just fill a lineup.
The Blueprint: What Pastner’s History Tells Us
To understand where UNLV is going, it helps to look at where Pastner has been.
Over 14 seasons, he’s built teams through tempo, adaptability, and guard play. He’s had highs—like a 31-win season and an ACC Tournament title—and lows, like roster misfires and mid-tier finishes.
Josh Pastner Year-by-Year (KenPom ranks + stats)
How Important Are Shooters to Pastner?
Short answer: Very. But only if they fit.
Pastner doesn’t build around volume three-point shooters—but he absolutely needs floor spacing to make his offense work.
What the Film and Stats Show:
His best Georgia Tech team (2020–21) had multiple 35%+ shooters like Michael DeVoe and Moses Wright. That team ranked top 80 nationally in 3PT%.
His Memphis teams thrived when they had balanced lineups with reliable catch-and-shoot threats at the 2, 3, and 4 spots.
He doesn’t greenlight bad shooters. He prefers low-volume, high-efficiency marksmen who space and defend.
How He Uses Shooters:
Corner spacers off Princeton or dribble-drive action
Stretch forwards to pull bigs away from the paint
Role-playing guards who knock down open shots and don’t force offense
What That Means for UNLV:
He won’t recruit pure gunners—but he will build around guys who hit 35–40% on spot-ups and can defend. Expect shooting to be a portal priority, especially at wing and stretch big positions.
The Staff: Built for What’s Ahead
Pastner’s hires signal a clear shift. This isn’t just a staff—it’s a balance board built to cover every angle.
Scott Garson – The Offensive Architect
Garson brings modern spacing, structure, and NBA development experience. He’ll give UNLV the halfcourt identity it’s lacked for years.
Anthony Wilkins – The Connector
With experience in the ACC and SEC, Wilkins brings national recruiting and player development. Pastner trusts him with backcourt growth and high-level relationships.
Justin Hawkins – The Local Anchor
UNLV alum. Former captain. The Vegas connection this program has needed for years. Hawkins adds development chops and cultural buy-in from day one.
Together, this group covers Pastner’s historic blind spots: in-game structure, elite recruiting, and local trust.
Final Word: This Isn’t a Rebuild — It’s a Reset
There’s no illusion of a ready-made team. No returning core to lean on. No safety net.
That’s the opportunity.
For the first time in years, UNLV has a chance to define its identity—before the pressure builds. If the portal is used wisely, if the recruiting pitch lands, and if the pieces align, this can be a true foundation year.
Not a one-year patch job.
Not a “wait and see.”
A real blueprint—with real vision.
The roster will take shape soon.
And if it’s built right?
This could be the team that finally resets the standard.