Men’s Roster Hit by Star Guard Exits (Image Credits: Flickr)
Las Vegas – The NCAA transfer portal officially swung open on Monday for men’s college basketball, thrusting UNLV into a familiar offseason scramble just days after the national championship. Both the Rebels men’s and women’s programs already confronted player exits that reshaped their rosters before the window even began.[1] These moves created scholarship vacancies and opportunities for coach Josh Pastner and Lindy La Rocque to target reinforcements amid a competitive Mountain West landscape.
Men’s Roster Hit by Star Guard Exits
The UNLV men’s team absorbed significant blows with the announcements of two guards entering the portal. Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, the Rebels’ leading scorer at 20.7 points per game, declared his intentions last month and became the program’s most notable departure.[2][1] The junior, who earned Mountain West newcomer of the year honors and a first-team all-conference nod, also contributed 3.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.5 steals while shooting an efficient 49.7 percent from the field and 41.4 percent from beyond the arc.[3]
Myles Che, a transfer from UC Irvine, joined him in the portal after sitting out the entire 2025-26 season due to foot surgery recovery. Despite limited on-court time, Che offered valuable leadership from the bench, which first-year coach Pastner praised as a foundation for future success.[2] Other potential outflows included forward Naas Cunningham, who averaged 5.0 points in limited minutes after transferring from Alabama, and redshirt players like Mason Abittan.[4] Pastner emphasized that no individual overshadowed the program, signaling a pragmatic approach to the turnover.
Key Retentions Provide Stability
Not all news proved challenging for the Rebels. Standout freshman forward Tyrin Jones committed to return for his sophomore campaign, bolstering the frontcourt after a promising debut.[3][1] Jones averaged 11.9 points, 5.0 rebounds, and a conference-leading 2.2 blocks per game, converting 59.4 percent of his field goal attempts.
Junior forward Ladji Dembele, sidelined by injury last season after arriving from Iowa, remained on the roster as a potential contributor. These holdovers offered Pastner building blocks during the 15-day portal window, which closes April 21.[2] The second-year coach now focused on filling voids left by Gibbs-Lawhorn’s production without a publicized incoming freshman class.
Lady Rebels Lose to Rival, Welcome Fresh Talent
Across campus, the UNLV women’s program dealt with four players entering the portal, including forward Alexis Swillis, who committed to in-state rival Nevada.[1] The others had yet to reveal destinations as the portal activated. This came after a season that ended with a Mountain West tournament semifinal loss to Colorado State.
Coach Lindy La Rocque countered the departures by securing six freshmen signees last November, injecting youth into the lineup. The class featured prospects like point guard Keonni Lewis, a local from Democracy Prep and one of two ESPN Top 100 recruits, alongside forwards Ava Bergeson, Arianna Davis, Terri’A Russell, and guards Jayla Constant and Tristan Williams.[1]
- Ava Bergeson (forward, La Salle Catholic College Preparatory, Oregon)
- Jayla Constant (guard, Putnam City North HS, Oklahoma)
- Arianna “Slim” Davis (forward, Lancaster HS, Texas)
- Keonni “Bubbles” Lewis (point guard, Democracy Prep, Nevada)
- Terri’A Russell (forward, Oakland Technical HS, California)
- Tristan Williams (guard, Laurel School, Ohio)
La Rocque highlighted Lewis’s familiarity with the program, noting her early integration and winning pedigree. “(Lewis) is privy to this locker room. The rest of her freshman classmates won’t be. She’s a winner. We recruit winners,” the coach said.[1] This influx positioned the Lady Rebels for a refreshed roster heavy on new faces.
Broader Mountain West Context Shapes Strategy
UNLV’s moves unfolded amid widespread portal activity across the Mountain West Conference. As of late March, teams like Nevada, New Mexico, and Wyoming reported their own outflows, though few additions materialized early.[5] The Rebels joined this churn, where over 20 conference players signaled portal intentions before the official start.
Pastner and La Rocque eyed experienced transfers to complement returners and newcomers. With scholarship spots available, the coaches prepared for a fast-paced market dominated by one-year eligibility seekers from power programs.
Key Takeaways
- Men’s team loses scoring leader Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn but retains blocking standout Tyrin Jones.
- Women’s squad sends Alexis Swillis to Nevada but adds six promising freshmen, including ESPN-ranked Keonni Lewis.
- Portal window runs through April 21, offering UNLV chances to plug gaps quickly.
The transfer portal’s opening marked a pivotal reset for UNLV basketball, blending losses with strategic gains. As the Rebels scout the market, their ability to attract portal talent will define next season’s trajectory in a tough conference. What moves do you expect from Pastner and La Rocque? Share your thoughts in the comments.
