Pair joins Massamba to form inside core
UNLV is in a unique situation entering the 2010-11 season. It returns eight players who each averaged 12-or-more minutes per game for a 25-win, NCAA Tournament team a season ago.
That said, many fans are wondering more about two other Runnin’ Rebels – “Q” and “Los.”
With the addition of redshirt sophomore Quintrell Thomas (6-8, 245) and redshirt freshman Carlos Lopez (6-11, 220), UNLV’s 10-man rotation should once again pose a challenge for opponents.
“We’re fortunate because both of them [Thomas and Lopez] have been in the program for a year already,” UNLV head coach Lon Kruger said. “When you look at what guys in the past have done with that redshirt season, it’s encouraging. Guys like Joel [Anthony], Chace [Stanback], Tre [Willis], they all got better during that redshirt season. Quintrell and Carlos both worked hard and are better players because of it.”
Kruger said the pair will join 6-10 Brice Massamba – who became a factor down low at the end of last season – to form a solid core of big men and each brings a different style of play.
“We’ll be in a position to go big at times and play two of the three on the court at the same time,” Kruger said. “They give us more options.”
Thomas will look to continue the trend of impact transfers for the Runnin’ Rebels. A New Jersey native, Thomas (ranked No. 56 in the nation by ESPNU and No. 149 by Rivals.com coming out of high school) originally chose then-defending national champion Kansas over UNLV in the spring of 2008. However, after one season with the Jayhawks, he decided UNLV was the place to be and transferred.
“Quintrell won’t get pushed around,” Kruger said. “He’s going to be a nice addition to our group. He’s strong and enjoys going after the ball. He’s also hungry to play. He’s going to help us, for sure.”
In recent seasons, All-Mountain West first team guard Tre’Von Willis (Memphis), All-Mountain West third team forward Chace Stanback (UCLA) and guard Derrick Jasper (Kentucky) have made a significant impact on the program after transferring from other strong basketball programs.
Lopez, on the other hand, will be seeing his first action at the college level after redshirting as a true freshman. Originally from Puerto Rico, Lopez was a senior starter for Findlay Prep (Henderson, Nev.) and helped the Pilots go a perfect 33-0 and win the 2009 ESPN RISE National High School championship. He was ranked No. 109 in the nation by Rivals.com.
“Carlos has great basketball instincts,” Kruger said. “Fans are going to enjoy watching him grow over the years. As he gets stronger and keeps working hard, his potential is tremendous. We’re excited about his future and what he will do for this program.”
Lopez joins fellow 2009 high school graduates Anthony Marshall and Justin Hawkins in what many people believe will turn out to be one of the strongest recruiting classes for UNLV in some time.
And simply add in Thomas as part of that recruiting class and the Rebels are looking at a solid core for years into the future.