The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball program recently introduced new head coach Josh Pastner to the community, and the team is already seeing the positive impact of his hiring with strong recruiting results. This week, Pastner added four players to the roster: Mason Abittan, Tyrin Jones, James Evans Jr., and Jacob Bannarbie.
Evans Jr. and Bannarbie were both with the team last year, and Pastner successfully brought them back from the transfer portal, a significant achievement that highlights the positive perception of his hire across the NCAA. Evans, a sophomore, was a standout high school player from Wichita, Kansas, and graduated from West Ranch High School in California, where he ranked among the top 150 recruits in the nation. During his high school career, he scored over 1,000 points and averaged 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals per game.
Bannarbie, a redshirt freshman, played in 19 games last season, starting three, and averaged 1.6 points and 1.8 rebounds in just 6.6 minutes per game. Despite limited playing time, he is considered an important part of the team’s future. Originally from Anchorage, Alaska, he played high school basketball at Hillcrest Prep in Phoenix, Arizona.
Abittan, a standout from Coronado High, had previously committed to the Rebels but reopened his recruitment after the firing of former head coach Kevin Kruger. However, he has now rejoined the team after an impressive high school season where he averaged 19.3 points per game and was also ranked as a top 150 national prospect.
Jones, a native of Las Vegas, played high school basketball at Layton Christian Academy in Utah. Pastner successfully recruited this local talent, who also ranked among the top 150 recruits in the nation.
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