58 Predictions for UNLV Basketball in 2024-25

OVERVIEW

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels will miss the NCAA Tournament for a third straight year, but Nevada secured its spot in the Big Dance. The Wolfpack will look to make a deep run in the tournament and could be a dark horse to reach the Final Four. Here are 58 predictions for the 2024-25 UNLV basketball season.

NON-CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

UNLV will open its season with a home game against the Cal State Northridge Matadors. The Rebels will also play road games against the Arizona Wildcats, the Texas Longhorns, and the UCLA Bruins. UNLV will host the South Dakota Coyotes, the Utah Valley Wolverines, and the Seattle Redhawks.

The Rebels will face a tough non-conference schedule, but they will have a chance to prove themselves against some of the best teams in the country. If UNLV can perform well against these teams, it will boost its confidence and give them a chance to earn a spot in the NCAA Tournament.

CONFERENCE SCHEDULE

UNLV will play a 20-game conference schedule in the Mountain West. The Rebels will play each of the other 10 teams in the conference twice, once at home and once on the road. UNLV will also play two games against each of the other schools in its division, the Mountain Division.

The Rebels will have a challenging conference schedule, but they will also have a chance to win a lot of games. If UNLV can perform well in conference play, it will improve its chances of earning an NCAA Tournament bid.

POSTSEASON

UNLV will need to finish in the top four in the Mountain West standings to earn a bye in the Mountain West Tournament. The Rebels will need to win the tournament to earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament.

If UNLV wins the Mountain West Tournament, it will earn an automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. The Rebels will likely be a low seed in the tournament, but they will have a chance to make a run if they can play their best basketball.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Keshon Gilbert (Sr.)

Jordan McCabe (Jr.)

Bryce Hamilton (So.)

Trey Woodbury (Fr.)

Shakur Juiston (Sr.)

These five players will be key for UNLV this season. Gilbert is a senior guard who is the team's leading scorer. He averaged 14.3 points per game last season. McCabe is a junior guard who is a good passer and defender. He averaged 10.2 points and 5.8 assists per game last season.

Hamilton is a sophomore guard who is a good shooter and defender. He averaged 10.0 points per game last season. Woodbury is a freshman guard who is a highly touted recruit. He was a McDonald's All-American and is expected to make an immediate impact.

Juiston is a senior forward who is a good rebounder and defender. He averaged 8.0 points and 7.5 rebounds per game last season. These five players will need to play well for UNLV to have a successful season.