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UNLV’s Keshon Gilbert will enter transfer portal

by fanshotz

UNLV’s Keshon Gilbert will enter transfer portal


UNLV sophomore guard Keshon Gilbert is leaving the program and entering the transfer portal, according to sources with knowledge of his decision — one that leaves a sizable void in the starting lineup.

The former Durango High standout started 29 of the 31 games in which he played this season, averaging 11.4 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.7 steals in 27.5 minutes per game.

Gilbert also was one of UNLV’s best perimeter defenders and a tone setter with his energy on both sides of the floor.

“Being a sophomore around a lot of older guys isn’t always the easiest thing in the world,” Rebels coach Kevin Kruger said of Gilbert during the season. “But when you play as hard as (Gilbert) does, there’s a respect level there automatically. It just comes with it.

“No matter what (year) you are or what you do, playing hard gives you credibility. And then, of course, he’s producing. Shooting it well, getting in the paint, making plays. He gets better every day.”

Gilbert did indeed improve during his two years at UNLV, morphing in 18 months from a defensive specialist into a steady starter who figures to garner plenty of interest in the portal.

He cracked the rotation as a freshman, averaging 14.3 minutes and 2.6 points in 32 games before cracking the starting lineup. He handled the ball more this season and shot 46.4 percent from the field and 38.4 percent from 3-point range, finishing second on the team in scoring while maintaining his defensive intensity.

Gilbert was supplanted in the starting lineup by Jordan McCabe during the Mountain West tournament quarterfinal loss to Boise State at the Thomas & Mack Center after missing the first-round matchup against Air Force because of a one-game suspension issued in response to a supposed headbutt in the season finale at UNR.

As a result, Gilbert played 10 minutes against the Broncos — registering seven points and two rebounds. He will join in the portal former UNLV freshman guard Keyshawn Hall, who announced Sunday his intention to transfer.

The Rebels, sources said, were braced for the likelihood of multiple transfers and have been recruiting the transfer portal for experienced players who could immediately contribute.

UNLV finished 19-13 and 7-11 in the Mountain West this season, its second under Kruger.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Contact Sam Gordon at [email protected]. Follow @BySamGordon on Twitter.





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