At A Glance
UNLV (11-19, 4-13 MW) Coach: Marvin Menzies (11-19, first season)
PROBABLE STARTERS Player Pos. Ht. Ppg. Jovan Mooring G 6-2 12.4 Kris Clyburn G 6-6 6.9 Uche Ofoegbu G 6-4 7.3 Tyrell Green F 6-7 12.0 Christian Jones F 6-7 10.6 FRESNO STATE (18-11, 10-7 MW) Coach: Rodney Terry (103-95, sixth season)
PROBABLE STARTERS Player Pos. Ht. Ppg. Jahmel Taylor G 6-0 11.1 Jaron Hopkins G 6-6 13.2 Deshon Taylor G 6-1 11.6 Paul Watson G/F 6-7 11.9 Cullen Russo F 6-9 8.3 WHAT TO WATCH
■ 1. UNLV is planning to stick with Green as a starter after he finished with 19 points and 12 rebounds in a 66-59 victory over Utah State on Wednesday. Cheickna Dembele had started the previous 12 games, but played only nine minutes against the Aggies. If Green and Jones, who had 16 points and 12 rebounds, play well together, Dembele again might be on the bench for extended minutes.
■ 2. Rebels coaches sent eight players into the game against Utah State, but only six played significant minutes. If UNLV plays well against Fresno State, expect another shortened lineup. When the minutes are more evenly spread is often a sign that the Rebels are in trouble.
■ 3. UNLV came out with emotion and maintained that energy against Utah State on Senior Night. Now the Rebels face a Fresno State team getting ready to say goodbye to three seniors, so they will have to counter the increased energy the Bulldogs should bring. #UNLV.”
Florida Air Academy athletic director Joe Burley said Louisville and Connecticut recruited Diong, but Cardinals coach Rick Pitino wanted him for the 2018 class. The final decision came down to UNLV, Pittsburgh and Purdue.
“He’s a terrific athlete,” Burley said. “His rebounding and shot blocking are elite and transfer right away to Division I. His offensive game is developing, but he has a high basketball IQ. He’s capable of shooting the 3, but around the rim, he is outstanding.”
Burley said Diong turned 17 on Dec. 11 because he began school in Senegal at age 4 and has been an excellent student.
“That attests to his good character, as it does as a prospect on the basketball floor,” Burley said. “He’s growing. He’s probably just shy of 7 feet.”
Diong is the fourth member of the Rebels’ class. They have three scholarships to give, but player turnover is expected as Menzies continues to rework the roster. The Rebels also gained a commitment from 6-6 forward Tervell Beck on Wednesday. Contact MarkAnderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914. Follow @markanderson65 on Twitter.