Could The Rebels Have Their Fab 5?
The UNLV Rebels landed one of the biggest recruits in history last night, getting a commitment from 5 Star PG Dedan Thomas Jr from Henderson, NV. It’s not just that Thomas is an elite Floor General, capable of changing the entire fortunes of a program. He’s also a pass-first PG, which is the type of player that other players gravitate toward. With that in mind and the fact that the local class of 2024 is one of the best in recent Las Vegas history, could Thomas’ commitment be the start of Vegas’ version of the Fab 5? Here’s who they would need to land.
According to Verbal Commits, the Rebels have 22 Open Scholarships, with four of them out to current local players and 1 going to a former local prospect. What’s so unique about this local class, is the size. LV which is known as a guard-heavy city actually has multiple 5-star 7-footers right in their backyard. With Thomas handling the PG duties, nabbing these local prospects could be the start of something big.
Khaman Maker 7’1 C Trinity Prep – The 7-foot center is a remarkable talent that protects the rim at an elite level. He’s the ultimate “dunker spot” big as he catches and finishes at the rim with ease. The sight of Thomas and Maker playing out of P&R basketball should excite Rebel fans.
Pape N’Diaye – 7’0 C Trinity Prep – N’daye is 7 feet, but that’s where the similarities between he and Maker stop. He’s got a stronger frame and has the ability to face up. While he’s not necessarily a three-point shooter, the fact that the agile 7-footer can even be a threat from that range should be music to Rebel fans’ ears.
Jase Richardson – 6’3 PG Bishop Gorman – You can never have enough good PGs but Richardson brings the added dimension of being able to shoot and defend at a high level. The lefty would seem to make for the perfect backcourt mate to Thomas, and certainly give the Rebels one of the top left-handed backcourts of all time.
Taj Degourville 6’5 SF Durango – Degourville has a chance to be the best out of the whole group. The versatile forward shoots handles and passes at a high level, and he showed as much while leading Durango to a state crown. He would be the ultimate chess piece for a talented roster, off hometown players.
Pharoah Compton 6’6 PF Compass Prep – Compton cut his teeth at Spring Valley high school before transferring to the Prep powerhouse. One of the best athletes in the class, Compton brings instant athleticism, along with a world-class motor. I could see him becoming a fan favorite at Thomas and Mack.