UNLV freshman forward Jackson Kiss is carving out a role in coach Josh Pastner's rotation as the Runnin' Rebels prepare to host Stanford on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The 6-foot-8 Auckland, New Zealand native provided crucial minutes in the team's first two regular-season wins, most recently posting 10 points, six rebounds and two steals in 26 minutes during an 88-79 victory over Samford.
Kiss, a former four-star recruit signed in 2026 and the Mountain West preseason Freshman of the Year, said he feels he has grown within the rotation after a slow start through three exhibition games and two regular-season contests. "The first couple of games started slow for myself and I didn't really play up to standard, but in the last game I feel like I got my legs under me," Kiss said. "I'm starting to get used to the game, so I feel like I am coming along pretty well."
Sophomore guard Tyrin Jones has served as a mentor for Kiss, particularly in learning Pastner's system. "(Tyrin Jones) has been helping me a lot closing inside during training and during games," Kiss said. "I just try to pick his brain a little bit because I know he has been through this system." Pastner said Kiss played with a "great motor" against Samford and expects significant contributions by conference play.
Stanford enters Friday's matchup 3-0 and averaging 82 points per game. The Cardinal are led by senior forward Nick Townsend, the reigning Ivy League Player of the Year, who averages 22.7 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.0 assists and 2.7 steals. Pastner acknowledged slowing Townsend will be a defensive emphasis, noting the game will come down to toughness.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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