Runnin’ Rebels sophomore standout returns against Missouri

Tyrin Jones is back and happy for it.

UNLV’s sophomore forward will return to game action Thursday night when the Runnin’ Rebels play their final exhibition contest by hosting Missouri of the SEC at Thomas & Mack Center.

Jones sat out earlier exhibition losses to Big 12 opponents Utah and BYU.

Despite playing last season with a major shoulder injury, Jones had a breakout freshman year with averages of 11.9 points, five rebounds and 2.2 blocks.

He underwent surgery in April.

“I feel good,” Jones said. “Conditioning has been good. My first game since Tulsa (in the NIT). I’m pretty excited to be back. I’m really looking forward to getting out there with the guys. Just get some rust off and back to doing what I do — blocking shots, making plays, helping the team win, rebounding. I’m just ready to get back out there.

“Ever since surgery, I’ve been feeling one percent better every day.”

UNLV coach Josh Pastner said Jones will be on a minutes restriction and wouldn’t play more than 20.

“This year, I really want to work on my defensive aspect of the game,” Jones said. “A lot of the time I get lost on defense. Just want to improve there and have the team, like last year, allow me to block shots.”

He will get the opportunity now to play with several transfers that define Pastner’s team, including former Missouri guard Sebastian Mack.

The senior averaged 25.5 points in the previous two exhibition games.

“It’s going to be good to get (Jones) back on the floor,” Mack said. “He’s a great guy on the court and a real good dude off it. It’s going to be good to match our skills and pair them up with each other. He’s only a sophomore but he has played a lot of minutes and meant a lot to this team last year. It’s going to be really fun.

“I’m just trying to do as much as I can for the team. We’re still building and these exhibition games are good for us to learn and compete against another opponent. Just being confident is big. Without confidence, you have nothing. For me, it was just about going to a (school) with a coach who believes in me and trusts me. This is the perfect spot for me.”

Contact Ed Graney at [email protected]. Follow @edgraney on X.