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New Runnin’ Rebels: The lowdown on UNLV’s key fresh faces

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UNLV basketball players gather for the scarlet and gray exhibition, which is the Rebels’ version of midnight madness, at the Thomas & Mack Center on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2014.
Photo: L.E. Baskow

The Rebels’ 2014-15 basketball season is almost here, but if you haven’t been paying attention to the offseason you might not recognize many of the players on the court. That’s okay, we’ve got you covered.

In addition to two new coaches—assistant Ryan Miller and special assistant Max Good—the Rebels welcome in eight new players, six of whom are eligible this season. Those guys will all get minutes on the floor, so here’s a crash course on what you should know about and expect from each this year.

    • Rashad Vaughn on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Rashad Vaughn on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Rashad Vaughn (freshman guard)

      6-6, 210 pounds, Minneapolis

      The second-highest-rated high school commit in program history, Vaughn has a lot of responsibility to shoulder after making the short move north following a senior season at Findlay Prep. He’s expected to score in a variety of ways, but the main one will be with his jump shot, better than any UNLV had on its roster last season.

    • Cody Doolin on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Cody Doolin on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Cody Doolin (senior guard)

      6-3, 180, Austin

      Doolin transferred to UNLV for his final season after more than three years as the starting point guard at San Francisco. He’s expected to be the best true point guard—pass, pass, pass—in coach Dave Rice’s tenure, and Doolin’s chemistry with UNLV’s bigs could be one of this team’s most important factors.

    • Dwayne Morgan on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Dwayne Morgan on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Dwayne Morgan (freshman forward)

      6-8, 205, Baltimore

      A high-energy player, Morgan is still figuring out what’s a good shot for him with this current lineup. As far as guys going from doing everything for their high school or AAU team to accepting a role, Morgan probably has the most ground to cover this season. His ability to rebound will be key.

    • Goodluck Okonoboh on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Goodluck Okonoboh on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Goodluck Okonoboh (freshman forward)

      6-10, 225, Boston

      Anything Okonoboh provides on offense is a bonus, because he’s in there to affect shots and rebound. Okonoboh’s block numbers don’t even have to be great so long as he’s altering what opponents can do in the paint. He’ll get points off dunks and offensive putbacks, but getting full starters’ minutes is going to take a lot of learning in terms of managing foul trouble.

    • Patrick McCaw on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Patrick McCaw on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Patrick McCaw (freshman guard)

      6-6, 180, St. Louis

      He’s got active hands on defense and a good 3-point shot, so McCaw’s contributions as a freshman will come from his ability to minimize mistakes and put himself in the right positions.

    • Jordan Cornish on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Jordan Cornish on October 2, 2014 at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

      Jordan Cornish (freshman guard)

      6-6, 220, New Orleans

      Cornish was signed to play at Tennessee before a coaching change and a friendship with Vaughn led him to the desert. He’ll be in the early-season rotation with McCaw and senior Jelan Kendrick for available minutes at the three and four spots.

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