UNLV’s Core Is in the Portal — Now What?
We knew the roster was going to shake up after a coaching change.
But what we’re seeing now? This is more than attrition.
It’s a full reset.
Eight players from last year’s roster are officially in the portal. That’s not just bench guys looking for more minutes — that’s your starting point guard, your top scorer, your best wing, and your frontcourt rotation.
The question now: Who’s worth fighting for?
Let’s break it all down.
The Two You MUST Keep
Dedan Thomas Jr.
15.6 PPG | 4.7 AST | 35.8 MIN | 41.3 FG% | 35.3 3PT
This one’s simple. Dedan is a top-tier PG with poise, vision, and control of the game. He’s not just UNLV’s most important player — he’s one of the best point guards in the portal. Still only a sophomore with two years of eligibility left.
You bring him back, and you’ve got a foundation. You lose him, and the rebuild becomes a full teardown.
Jaden Henley
12.5 PPG | 4.2 REB | 1.8 AST | 35.1% 3PT
Henley finally put it all together this season — career highs across the board and emerged as the team’s most versatile defender. He’s switchable, long, and efficient. A do-it-all wing with toughness and upside.
If Dedan is your engine, Henley is your tone-setter. You need both.
Solid Pieces — Not Core Builders
Jeremiah “Bear” Cherry
9.9 PPG | 5.3 REB | 62.7 FG%
Cherry had a quietly productive year. He’s not a centerpiece, but on a good team? He’s your 6th or 7th guy — reliable, physical, smart around the rim.
If he stays, you’re deeper and tougher. But if he walks, he’s replaceable through the portal.
Rob Whaley Jr.
Only played 2 games this year due to injury. In 2023-24, averaged 7.6 PPG, 3.6 REB. He’s got size and bounce but hasn’t stayed healthy long enough to be trusted as a long-term piece.
A wild card — low-risk, moderate-reward.
Young Talent, Untapped Potential
James Evans Jr.
4-star recruit coming out of high school. Didn’t play due to eligibility issues but had flashes in prep ball and on tape. He’s a project, but with a real ceiling.
If the staff believes in his growth, he’s worth a retention push. He could develop into a wing contributor by Year 2.
Everyone Else
Brooklyn Hicks
4.2 PPG | 3.0 REB | 1.0 AST | 19.8 MIN | 18% from three
Got minutes but never found his shot. Athleticism is there. Offense isn’t. Right now, he’s not a difference-maker.
Isaiah Cottrell
1.7 PPG | 1.5 REB | 6th school. Gorman alum, former top-100 recruit, but it never clicked. Time to move on.
Jace Whiting
Played in just 2 games due to injury. Started at Boise State. Not expected to factor into the rebuild.
The Bigger Picture
This isn’t just about who’s leaving — it’s about who you can actually keep. And right now, UNLV hasn’t added anyone in the portal yet.
Losing Dedan and Henley without a real fight would send the wrong message. Those two should be the priority — not just because of what they did last season, but because they fit what this program should be building toward.
Cherry and Evans are valuable depth if you can hold onto them. Everyone else? Replaceable.
Bottom Line
Josh Pastner walked into a clean slate — and that’s exactly what he’s getting.
But this doesn’t have to be a full Year Zero.
If the NIL is aligned and the pitch is strong, you can bring back two guys who could be all-conference caliber under the right system.
Keep Dedan. Keep Henley. That’s your base.
From there, you hit the portal hard and rebuild this thing the right way.
Because if UNLV’s not retaining anyone — and not adding anyone either — it’s going to be a long climb back up.
Follow for updates on portal targets, player movement, and the next wave of decisions that’ll shape the 2025-26 roster.