By The Numbers

“This group[07-08 team] maintained and solidified what we’re after and put next year’s group in position to make progress. That doesn’t mean more wins necessarily, because next year is a big trap. As you know, the expectations are going to go up and it’s always hard to win 27 games. Next year’s team could make progress and win fewer games, for sure,” said University of Nevada, Las Vegas head basketball coach Lon Kruger.

This season was supposed to be a rebuilding year for the UNLV Runinn’ Rebels and they where not only able to win the Mountain West Conference tournament for the second year in a row, but they also made it to the NCAA tournament for the second year in a row. The last time the Rebels made consecutive NCAA appearances was in the 1990 and 1991 seasons. The Rebels did all this with only one returning starter.

After losing to the No.1 seeded Kansas Jay-Hawks by a score of 75-56, the team still has remained optimistic about next season, as it should. The number of players being scouted by the Rebels for next season is currently at 16 with four already committing to come and play for the Runnin’ Rebels next season, including 6-10 center Brice Massamba. Last season only two players committed to UNLV and only three players in 2006. As this team gets better and begins to establish its self as a legitimate contender, look for more and more players becoming interested in UNLV. The Rebels already have 12 players on the scouting list for after next season with two of them already committing.

“For the future, I see nothing but great things,” said senior guard Curtis Terry. “I’m kind of disappointed that I won’t be able to have a role in it like I had in the past four years, but I’m definitely going to be their biggest fan. They’re going to keep on going farther and farther every year.”

In comparing the 2006/2007 and the 2007/2008 teams there really is not that big of a difference. Lets start by looking at the overall records, last years team finished the season 30-7 compared to this years record of 27-8. Both teams however went 12-4 in conference play and both teams went on to win the MWC tournament.

Offensively the 06/07 squad was higher in every category but free throw percentage where this years team had a percentage of .747 compared to last years .716. Last years team also averaged more points per game at 74.9 as opposed to this years team of 69.7. But Last years team averaged 66.8 points allowed to their opponents, whereas this years team was able to hold the opposition to an average of 62.3 points per game. This stat alone is an indication to the increased defensive presence of the Runnin’ Rebels.

The two statistics that remained the same were rebounds per game and assist per game. Both squads averaged 34 rebounds per game and 14 assist per game. This years team did have more turnovers, but when you play a fast and aggressive style of offense and defense that’s what you get. Fortunately the Rebels were able to bounce back from every miscue.

These two teams were fun to watch, but the feeling around the sports world is that the seasons to come will be even better. With 6-10, 225 pound Massamba and 7-footer Beas Hamga, who was a red-shirt due to NCAA transfer requirements, in the paint and Adams and forward Joe Darger draining three point baskets from beyond the arc, next years team is going to be good.

~ by jaybasile on March 26, 2008.