UNLV’s Zimmerman gets MW preseason freshman of the year honors
UNLV freshman Stephen Zimmerman was named the Mountain West's Preseason Freshman of the Year on Tuesday, becoming the fourth Rebel to receive the distinction in as many years.
Zimmerman joins former Rebels Rashad Vaughn, Kendall Smith and Anthony Bennett to receive the preseason accolade since 2012. Vaughn and Bennett both went on to win the Mountain West's Freshman of the Year award.
Speaking on Tuesday, UNLV head coach Dave Rice said the 7-foot center from Bishop Gorman High School will be a "big part" of the team's plans this season.
"He's an extremely versatile and coachable player, there's nothing on the basketball floor he can't do" said UNLV coach Dave Rice at Tuesday's annual conference media day. "But as good as Stephen is, he embodies team and comes with a quality work ethic."
Zimmerman's teammates echoed the UNLV coach, saying the 19-year-old freshman has earned players' respect in just a few short months on campus.
He’s a great all-around player, he just makes everyone on the floor better," said senior guard Jerome Seagears. "I think he's going to live up to the hype."
"He fits in and everybody gets along with him," said sophomore guard Patrick McCaw. "He doesn't brag about his game too much and he's actually a pretty cool dude."
Contact Chris Kudialis at ckudialis@reviewjournal.com or 702-380-4953. Find him on Twitter: @kudialisrj
