Pastner makes comments on new transfers

This week, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels announced some new additions to the team.

The team officially received the signing of former Arizona center Emmanual Stephen for the 2025 season.

New UNLV head coach Josh Pastner made the official announcement about the signing.

Pastner said, “Emmanuel is a great young man with a legitimate 7-foot frame and impressive length. His shot-blocking ability, rim protection, and rebounding will be extremely valuable for us. His defensive presence will also create fast-break opportunities for us to run. We are very excited to have him join the Runnin’ Rebel family.”

The seven-foot center comes to the Runnin’ Rebels originally from Nigeria and joins UNLV via the transfer portal from Arizona.

Stephen was a former four-star recruit coming out of high school.

Last season, Stephen saw very small amounts of playing time because of inexperience and injury.

However, the young center showed potential.

Last season, he played in eight games and for a total of just 24 minutes, much in part due to injury. He scored 10 points on five of five shooting with 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal, and one block. His season ended in the first round of the 2025 NCAA Tournament against Akron, where he was on the floor for two minutes, scored one basket, and came away with one steal.

In the 2025 season, he expected to play a pivotal role in the post for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels.