UNLV basketball recruits provide healthy dose of hope after down year

Point guard

Senior Jordan Johnson, who sat out last season after transferring from WisconsinMilwaukee, should provide a significant upgrade. Freshman Amauri Hardy, a former Oklahoma State commitment, is the point guard of the future and expected to receive major minutes.

Shooting guard

Senior Jovan Mooring ran the point last season, averaging team bests of 12.6 points and 4.0 assists, but he is much better suited for twoguard. Junior Kris Clyburn could see time here, and freshman Jay Green also might get a look. Clyburn is athletic, but was inconsistent. Green has the vertasility to play both guard positions as well as small forward.

Small forward

Expect Clyburn to battle junior college transfers

Shakur Juiston and Anthony Smith and freshman Tervell Beck for playing time. Juiston was the nation’s top JC player after averaging a double-double and making 60.9 percent of his shots. Smith averaged 20.5 points and 8.8 rebounds. Beck averaged 25.2 points at an Oklahoma prep school.

Power forward

Juiston, Smith and Beck could push for playing time, and Dwayne Morgan will be a factor if he remains with the team. If he does, Morgan will provide plenty of athleticism and experience.

Center

Five-star recruit Brandon McCoy was the headliner of coach Marvin Menzies’ class, and the freshman carries heavy expectations into next season. Sophomore Cheickna Dembele was the starter last season. Also look for freshman Chiekh

Mbacke Diong to make a run at playing time. Mark Anderson Las Vegas Review-Journal