UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Add Top-Tier Forward

According to Sports Illustrated, this weekend, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels Basketball program is continuing to build a top-tier roster to compete with the best of the Mountain West Conference.

6’8 forward Ladji Dembele has committed to UNLV via the transfer portal from the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Similarly, like the Runnin’ Rebels, Iowa had six players to hit the transfer portal at the end of the season after their head coach, Fran McCaffery was fired.

UNLV was on the receiving end of the mass exodus.

Dembele entered the transfer portal almost a month to the day before committing to UNLV.

He made the announcement via his X.com account:

“Thank you, Iowa. Thank you for all the memories, experiences, and opportunities you’ve given me during my time here. I am incredibly grateful for the support from my coaches, teammates, and the fans. After careful consideration, I will be entering the transfer portal while keeping open the option to return back to Iowa.”

The 6’8 forward hails from St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, New Jersey, where he became a four-star recruit. Dembele is originally from West Africa.

During his time at Iowa, Dembele appeared in 65 games, with 33 of those coming during his sophomore season, making 21 starts.