UNLV basketball 2014-15 season preview

Overview: Coming off a disappointing season, the Runnin’ Rebels reshaped during the offseason and will begin the year with five completely new starters. After going winless in every NCAA tournament game since the beginning of his UNLV coaching career and failing to qualify for the postseason last March, head coach David Rice looked to other programs to recruit a few potential transfers. Team chemistry was often the phrase used to describe why the Rebels haven’t been able to capitalize with such stockpiled talent, so Rice looked for the answer in point guard Cody Doolin, a three-year starter at the University of San Francisco who averaged 13.0 points and 7.0 assists per game before abruptly leaving two weeks into his senior year season.

UNLV’s freshman-heavy roster shows plenty of room for advancement after missing out on the NCAA tournament for the first time since the 2008-09 season. Eight of 10 potential rotation players are either freshmen or sophomores, so Rice's squad will undoubtedly feature a new look after losing its five leading scorers due to graduation, the NBA, or other schools. With ESPN's No. 11 recruiting class taking to the floor, players like 6-foot-6 forward Rashad Vaughn will be expected to play a major role on the wing. Goodluck Okonoboh will also be a key player for the Rebels, as the 6-foot-10 freshman will be able come in off the bench for 6-foot-11 Wood.

One thing that needs to go right: Doolin adapts to the new conference, takes charge of the offense and increases the team’s ability to move the ball.

One thing that could go wrong: The freshman class takes too long to adjust to the new level of competition and faces early struggles in tough non-conference play.