Kruger: Only time will tell where recruits rank

Instant analysis of recruits is mostly for entertainment purposes only, at least in the estimation of UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger.

The Rebels' incoming four-player class is not getting a high ranking nationally. It's no surprise that Kruger has a different opinion.

"I really like these guys," he said. "The only significant ranking is how they've done two to three years down the road. That's the only thing that's accurate."

Oscar Bellfield, a 6-foot-1-inch point guard from Westchester High School in Los Angeles, signed a letter of intent with UNLV as the spring signing period opened Wednesday.

Brice Massamba, a 6-10 center from Findlay Prep, did not deliver his letter, but he plans to do so today. Massamba is from Sweden, and because of the time difference, his mother was unable to sign the letter Wednesday.

Two players signed in November -- Deshawn Mitchell, a 6-6 forward from Monmouth Academy in Howell, N.J., and 6-8 forward Darris Santee from Midland (Texas) College.

All Star Sports recruiting analyst Bob Gibbons said the Rebels' class could rank in the nation's top 50, and most other recruiting services had similar projections. UNLV's coaches said time will tell where their recruits truly rank.

"Everybody can keep doubting us, and we'll just keep winning games," Rebels assistant coach Lew Hill said.

Kruger cannot comment on Massamba until his letter is signed. Massamba averaged 6.4 points and 5.2 rebounds in 26 games for Findlay Prep.

Santee averaged 11.7 points and 6.2 rebounds per game as a sophomore for Midland College.

"I think the size we've got coming in is a nice addition to our program," said Kruger, who also adds 7-foot Beas Hamga as a redshirt freshman next season.

Mitchell averaged about 24 points and 7 rebounds last season for Monmouth Academy.

Bellfield helped Westchester High go 29-5 while averaging 16 points and 5 assists per game.

"Oscar can shoot it well, and he's very unselfish," Kruger said. "He's got a team-first attitude. He really wants to be here, and he really fits well here."

AAU coach Darren Matsubara, who had Bellfield on his EBO/2K Sports team, predicted a "phenomenal career" for Bellfield at UNLV.

"I wish he was a little more selfish because we needed him to score more," Matsubara said. "His ability to score and make the right decision off the pick-and-roll is incredible. Oscar can do so much. He can catch and shoot, he can penetrate, and he defends."

Kruger said the Rebels' success the past two seasons has helped recruiting efforts, even if a couple of highly regarded players got away.

"You always miss out on players in recruiting. You seldom get everyone at the top of your list," Kruger said. "People are definitely more aware, more receptive and more anxious to hear about what's going on here."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.