Losing a Scoring Machine Sets the Tone (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas — UNLV men’s basketball coach Josh Pastner confronts a roster nearly wiped clean just one year after taking the helm. Seven players entered the NCAA transfer portal this week, joining four graduates from a squad that finished 18-17 and bowed out in the NIT’s second round. Freshman forward Tyrin Jones stands as the lone re-signed player, providing a glimmer of continuity amid the upheaval.[1][2]
Losing a Scoring Machine Sets the Tone
Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn’s decision to test the portal delivered the biggest blow. The junior guard led the Mountain West Conference in scoring at 20.7 points per game and earned newcomer of the year honors. His departure leaves a massive void in the Rebels’ offense.[2]
Other notable exits followed quickly. Emmanuel Stephen, a sophomore center Pastner recruited from Arizona, and Ladji Dembele, a junior forward sidelined by a foot injury, added their names Tuesday. Myles Che, another injured transfer guard from UC Irvine, also departed without suiting up. Pastner viewed Stephen as a developmental prospect, but the 7-footer now seeks opportunities elsewhere.[1]
Full List of Portal Departures
The seven players hitting the portal represent a broad cross-section of the roster. Freshmen Naas Cunningham and Mason Abittan, along with sophomore Jacob Bannarbie, round out the group. Cunningham averaged 5.0 points, Abittan redshirted his debut year, and Bannarbie contributed 3.5 points per game.[2]
- Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn (junior guard, 20.7 ppg)
- Myles Che (junior guard, injured)
- Naas Cunningham (freshman forward, 5.0 ppg)
- Mason Abittan (freshman guard, redshirted)
- Jacob Bannarbie (sophomore center, 3.5 ppg)
- Emmanuel Stephen (sophomore center, 3.5 ppg)
- Ladji Dembele (junior forward, injured)
Graduates Kimani Hamilton (12.8 ppg), Howie Fleming Jr. (9.0 ppg), Al Green (4.4 ppg), and Walter Brown (3.8 ppg) further thin the ranks. Freshman guard Issac Williamson, who averaged 8.6 points, remains undecided.[2]
Jones Emerges as Foundation Piece
Tyrin Jones provides the brightest spot. The Las Vegas native re-signed Friday, opting to stay for his sophomore year rather than explore options. His freshman stats — 11.7 points, 4.9 rebounds, and a team-high 68 blocks — showcased his athleticism and defensive upside.[3][4]
Pastner hailed the retention as a major win. Jones earned Mountain West freshman of the week honors late in the season, averaging 19.5 points and 5.0 rebounds over the final regular-season games. Teammates and coaches celebrated the news, viewing him as a cornerstone for the rebuild.[2]
Navigating the Portal’s Demands
Pastner embraced the chaos with characteristic resolve. His first offseason mirrored this one, as he assembled the 2025-26 roster largely through transfers after arriving in March 2025. The Rebels reached the NIT despite injuries sidelining key additions like Che and Dembele, who still drew NIL and scholarship support.[1]
“No one needs to stress because if we have to sign 13 to 15 new players, that’s what we’ll do,” Pastner told the Review-Journal. “No one’s bigger than the program, whether it’s the head coach or any player.”[1] He plans individual meetings to gauge loyalties and targets portal veterans to accelerate contention in the Mountain West.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Returning | Tyrin Jones (forward) |
| Portal Entries | 7 players |
| Graduates | 4 players |
| Pending | Issac Williamson |
The portal window demands swift action. Pastner skipped NBA Summer League last year to prioritize recruiting, a strategy he repeats now. Success hinges on landing immediate contributors to replace Gibbs-Lawhorn’s output and restore depth.
UNLV’s NIT appearance signaled progress under Pastner, but roster flux tests his adaptability. With Jones locked in, the Rebels eye a transformative summer. What moves will Pastner make next? Share your predictions in the comments.
Key Takeaways
- Seven portal entries, led by scoring champ Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, force a near-total rebuild.
- Tyrin Jones’ return offers defensive promise and local appeal.
- Pastner remains unfazed, ready to sign up to 15 newcomers if needed.
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