Another season of UNLV basketball is in the books, and while the Runnin’ Rebels showed flashes of brilliance, their 18-15 record and 11-9 conference performance left fans wanting more. The Thomas & Mack Center saw its fair share of nail-biters, but too often, the Rebels came up short in games that could have swung their way with just a few tweaks. As we look ahead to next season, it’s clear that offensive improvements are the key to turning close losses into wins. Here’s where the Rebels need to step up.
1. Three-Point Shooting: Accuracy and Volume
The Rebels’ three-point shooting percentage hovered around 33 percent, which is serviceable but far from elite. Opponents consistently outpaced UNLV in three-point makes per game, creating a scoring gap that proved costly in tight matchups. To win more games, the Rebels need to improve their accuracy from beyond the arc and increase their volume of successful three-point attempts. Whether it’s through recruiting sharpshooters or refining shot selection, the team must find ways to stretch defenses and capitalize on open looks.
2. Free Throw Efficiency: Capitalizing on Easy Points
Free throws are the ultimate “free money” in basketball, but the Rebels left too much cash on the table this season. Shooting just over 71 percent from the line, UNLV failed to convert critical opportunities in close games. Improving free throw percentage isn’t just about mechanics—it’s about mental toughness and focus in high-pressure situations. Next season, the Rebels need to make free throw drills a priority and ensure they’re ready to deliver when the game is on the line.
3. Ball Movement: More Assists, Fewer Isolation Plays
UNLV averaged just over 12 assists per game, trailing opponents who moved the ball more effectively. Too often, the Rebels relied on isolation plays or forced contested shots, leading to stagnant offensive possessions. To improve, the team must emphasize ball movement and team chemistry, creating open looks and higher-percentage scoring opportunities. A pass-first mentality will not only boost assist numbers but also make the offense more unpredictable and harder to defend.
4. Rebounding: Securing Second-Chance Opportunities
The Rebels were out-rebounded by opponents overall and in conference play, with a negative rebounding margin that hurt their ability to generate second-chance points. Offensive rebounds were particularly scarce, limiting the team’s ability to extend possessions and capitalize on missed shots. Next season, UNLV needs to adopt a more aggressive approach to crashing the boards, especially from guards and wings. Winning the rebounding battle will give the Rebels more scoring opportunities and help control the pace of games.
5. Scoring Depth: Finding Consistency Across the Roster
While the Rebels had a few reliable scorers, the team lacked consistent offensive contributions from the rest of the roster. This lack of depth made the offense predictable and easier to defend. To win more games, UNLV needs to develop or recruit players who can step up as secondary scoring options. A balanced attack will keep defenses guessing and ensure the Rebels can maintain offensive production even when their top scorers are struggling.
Final Thoughts
UNLV’s offensive struggles this season weren’t just bad luck—they were the result of clear statistical deficiencies that need addressing. From three-point shooting to free throws, assists, rebounding, and scoring depth, the Rebels have plenty of room for growth. With the Rebels' defensive schemes keeping games close, it’s time for the offense to step up and deliver. If the Rebels can fix these issues, they’ll be primed to make a serious run at Mountain West supremacy next season. And hey, maybe those nachos will taste a little sweeter with a few more wins on the board.
-Trevor Dawson