It was not that long ago that the Rebels were looking to fill five scholarships for the 2012-13 class. That number has dwindled to two with several key additions, most recently Demetris Morant.
Morant is a 6’9” power forward who can also play center, and is entering his senior season at Bishop Gorman High School here in sunny Las Vegas. Morant is also Shabazz Muhammad’s teammate at Bishop Gorman, as well as on the AAU circuit with Dreamvision.
As can be seen by his statistics and highlights, he’s an athletic big man who can move and run, and has plenty of vertical leap to spare. Defensively, he has averaged 3 blocks a game – making him a one man block party. His defensive jump timing has been called ‘impeccable’ and he has the ability to make multiple blocks by being able to quickly recover and get up again. Morant, by own admission, needs to work a bit on his offensive game to catch up with his defense.
NBA player comparisons have been made in terms of body type and style of play, names such as Tayshaun Prince, Kevin Garnett, and Kevin Durant have been mentioned. Realistically speaking, from what I’ve already seen he looks like a more nimble and athletic Joel Anthony – but he’s still a junior and that offensive game could develop.
UNLV Coach Dave Rice’s brother Grant Rice sees an expanded role of Morant this year, having been a reserve on the stacked team last year.
With two spots to go, UNLV already has the #23 best recruiting class for 2012-13 according to ESPN.com – its likely to keep getting better. Link As a testimonial to Coach Rice’s recruiting – can anyone remember the last time UNLV had such an exciting overall recruiting class? I can’t.
Morant’s B.G. teammate Roscoe Allen will be visiting campus this week for an official visit.
The roster pages for 2012-13 and 2013-14 have been updated for the addition of Morant, as well as our other committments.
Welcome to UNLV Demetris Morant, we are very happy to have you as a Runnin’ Rebel!
Highlight videos of future Runnin’ Rebel Demetris Morant:
The only problem I have with him is he is far from a leader. When asked if he would try to work on bazz and others from Gorman to become rebels, he stated that that's on them. You have to be a leader and push for what you want and need.
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