UNLV Basketball Gears Up for New Season with Key Transfers

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The UNLV Basketball team gathers for strategy during practice.

News Summary

UNLV Basketball welcomes two promising transfers, Myles Che and Kimani Hamilton, as the program enters an exhilarating new season. With Che’s impressive shooting and Hamilton’s skillset, the Runnin’ Rebels are poised for success. Head coach Josh Pastner’s vision is starting to take shape, building a robust team that includes returning players and additional talent. Fans are eagerly anticipating how these recent commitments will impact the team’s future in the upcoming season.

Las Vegas Welcomes New Hope for UNLV Basketball

The excitement is palpable at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas as the men’s basketball program gears up for an electrifying season ahead! Just days ago, on April 24, 2025, the Runnin’ Rebels made a splash by announcing the commitment of two exhilarating transfer players: guard Myles Che from UC Irvine and forward Kimani Hamilton from High Point. This dynamic duo is sure to breathe fresh energy into the squad.

Myles Che: A Rising Star

Standing at 6-foot-2, rising junior Myles Che is ready to shine in Las Vegas. Last season, he took the basketball world by storm as he started all 38 games for UC Irvine. He was instrumental in leading the Anteaters to capture the Big West Conference regular season title and also made a significant impact in the NIT championship game. With an average score of 12.1 points, 2.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game last season, Che has shown he can deliver when it matters most.

His shooting skills are nothing short of impressive, boasting a remarkable 43% shooting percentage from beyond the arc. Despite catching the eye of notable programs like Tennessee, Texas A&M, and Ole Miss, Myles chose to join UNLV, making it clear that the allure of Vegas was too strong to resist.

Kimani Hamilton: Size and Skill

Alongside Che, the Runnin’ Rebels have also secured the talents of Kimani Hamilton, a 6-foot-8 rising senior forward. Hamilton comes to UNLV after an impressive season where he averaged 13.1 points and 5.9 rebounds, shooting an impressive 52% from the field. He played a vital role in High Point’s league championship and NCAA Tournament run, demonstrating that he is not only a scorer but also a reliable team player.

Hamilton’s experience speaks volumes; he has started all 71 games during his time at High Point, which is sure to bring a wealth of knowledge and skill set to the Rebels’ roster. With these two pivotal signings, UNLV has positioned itself strongly for the future.

Building the Future

The significance of these commitments caught the attention of many in the basketball world, highlighting the positive direction the UNLV program is taking under the new leadership of first-year head coach Josh Pastner. These key additions will not only elevate the team but also complement other new players joining the squad, including Mason Abittan, Howie Fleming Jr., and Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn.

Let’s not forget the returning players who will help round out this exciting roster, including James Evans Jr. and Jacob Bannarbie. The Runnin’ Rebels have a solid foundation to build on, and the enthusiasm surrounding the upcoming season is palpable.

A Closer Look at Recent Signings

In addition to Che and Hamilton, the UNLV Basketball team has already drawn interest from talented players such as Naas Cunningham, who redshirted at Alabama last season, and confirmed his commitment to the Rebels prior to the announcements of the two new transfers. This influx of talent showcases a bright future for the program and adds to the excitement among fans.

As the Runnin’ Rebels prepare to hit the court, it’s evident that they are setting the stage for an unforgettable season. With explosive players like Myles Che and Kimani Hamilton, combined with a robust returning lineup, the team is on the rise, and Las Vegas can hardly wait for the next chapter in UNLV basketball history!