Rebel Report Card: UNLV vs. New Mexico Highlands

Backcourt: A

The starting backcourt of Ike Nwamu, Jerome Seagears and Patrick McCaw all scored in double figures and combined for 11 assists and just four turnovers. McCaw added three steals. The trio also made 50 percent of their shots, combining to go 11-for-22 from the field, a number that included an 8 of 14 effort from long range. Perhaps more importantly for the long-term success of the program, they hit 5 of 6 free throws. UNLV is going to need to find consistent shooters from the line to handle the ball in late-game situations. That's a positive development. Other than that, there's not a whole lot to go on in 107-45 victories over teams like New Mexico Highlands.

Frontcourt: A

Stephen Zimmerman Jr. had the first of what UNLV fans and coaches hope will be many double-doubles as he finished with 15 points and 10 rebounds. Zimmerman also blocked three shots and added two steals in 22 minutes. Ben Carter took over Goodluck Okonoboh's place in the starting lineup, at the request of Okonoboh, and brought a lot of energy. The former Oregon forward had nine points, nine rebounds and four assists in the game. Carter was making plays all over the court and should settle in to the starting spot alongside Zimmerman in the front court for the foreseeable future.

Bench: A+

UNLV's depth should undoubtedly be the strength of this team throughout the year. Dave Rice and his staff hope to consistently go 10-deep in the rotation and the bench players are making that a feasible goal with great play early in the season. Okonoboh's preference to watch the first few minutes before entering the game makes the bench even more potent. He had eight points and seven rebounds in 22 minutes. Derrick Jones was sensational with 14 points, four rebounds and four steals. His night included a left-handed dunk down the lane that was circulating all over Twitter in a matter of minutes. Jaylen Poyser was 6 of 7 from the field, including a 4-for-4 night from behind the arc. The subs were also incredibly active on the defensive end, especially Dwayne Morgan. UNLV's bench outscored New Mexico Highlands, 48-13 and the activity of the subs helped the Rebels to a 43-6 advantage in points off turnovers.

Coaching: B+

Rice and his staff are using the early-season games to hammer down a rotation. They have plenty of options with all the players who are performing well thus far. It's just a matter of identifying roles and convincing players to accept them. That will be a process. The downgrade for this one is due to UNLV's slow start. The Rebels led 13-10 early and were settling for one-pass jump shots at times. The shots started falling after UNLV got some easy inside baskets, particularly from Zimmerman on the baseline, and opened up the passing lanes to play more inside-out. UNLV was just a bit sluggish in the first few minutes. The Rebels have to come out more fired up, especially against some of the better teams ahead on the schedule.

Contact reporter Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com or 702-224-5509. Follow him on Twitter: @adamhilllvrj