UNLV struggled defensively last season, so adding a strong rim protector could help the Kevin Kruger era get off to a strong start.
The Southland Conference defensive player of the year is transferring. David Muoka is leaving Lamar after two seasons.
And UNLV is interested, according to Jake Weingarten.
Muoka averaged 5.4 points, 6.8 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game. He led the Southland in block rate and was second in defensive rebound percentage. As a result, Lamar led the conference in block rate and allowed the third lowest two-point field goal percentage.
Plus, UNLV may have a leg up on the competition, as Kruger recently hired Brandon Chappell as an assistant. Chappell spent the last four seasons as an assistant at Lamar and the last two with Muoka.
At 6-foot-10 and 211 pounds Muoka would be an intimidating defensive presence. And UNLV’s interest in him could be a sign that Mbacke Diong’s time at UNLV is over.
As a senior, Diong can choose to return to UNLV for an extra year. Or he could simply move on and end his collegiate career. Diong and Muoka would certainly be an overlap of skillsets.
Similarly to the other three transfers UNLV has added, Muoka is not a three-point threat. He has never taken a three at the college level.
But it appears Kruger is intent on improving the defensive side of the ball for UNLV next season.