In a city known for bright lights and bold talent, it’s easy to focus on the most polarizing athletes — the names that dominate headlines and highlight reels. But here in Las Vegas, there’s a deeper story waiting to be told. Beneath the surface lies a reservoir of untapped talent, hardworking athletes whose journeys deserve…
Clark High Class of 2019 Grad and Las Vegas Native Derrick Monroe Proves Dreams Don’t Die—They Just Take Time
We often talk about being “born and raised” in a place, like it’s a blueprint for who you’re destined to be. Some agree with that, some don’t—but that’s a conversation for another day. Today, we focus on a young man named Derrick Monroe, a 2019 graduate of Clark High School in Las Vegas. If the…
🏀 Spotlight: Daniel Rouzan – Las Vegas-Bred Forward Finding His Moment at Bethune–Cookman
We’re not chasing hype—we’re honoring grit, growth, and authenticity. At Unit 1 Hoops Source, we spotlight the real stories: the grinders, the patient workers, the late bloomers writing their own scripts on the court and off. Today, we feature Daniel Rouzan—a 6’9″, 240‑lb forward whose path from Las Vegas Bishop Gorman and multiple prep schools, through Weber State and Manhattan, and now to…
Tough, Coachable, and Defensive-Minded: Ezekiel Birchett Fits the Modern College Guard Mold
In the world of high school athletics, some athletes are just competitors—wired to lead, built to battle, and bred with an inner toughness that can’t be taught. Ezekiel Birchett, a 6’0” point guard out of Richmond, Virginia, fits that mold perfectly. Once a standout on the football field, Birchett has made a full transition to…
Former UNLV Forward Isaiah Cottrell Ready to Shine at Southern Utah
Isaiah Cottrell’s basketball story isn’t your typical rise—it’s one built on flashes of brilliance, moments of adversity, and a quiet determination that continues to keep him in the conversation. Born in Jacksonville, Florida, Cottrell later made his mark in Las Vegas, where his game began to blossom. I’ve been tracking Isaiah since his middle school days, and…
“Earned, Not Given: How Quentin Rhymes Grinded His Way to Big Ten Basketball”
There’s a basketball movement happening in Las Vegas—and if you’re not paying attention, you’re already behind. Across the country, elite-level talent from Vegas is making a name for itself at major college programs. One of the newest rising stars? Quentin Rhymes, a 6’7″ wing who has officially joined the Nebraska Cornhuskers men’s basketball team for the 2025–26 season. Rhymes is more…
Redshirt No More: Keenan Bey Poised to Contribute for UMass Lowell
We continue our “Around The Country In 2 Minutes” series, spotlighting hoopers you need to know—circling back to the streets of Las Vegas, a city that’s been quietly producing high-level players across every level of basketball. While the headlines often favor five-star recruits and viral mixtapes, our mission is different. This platform was built to highlight not just…
From CSN to UC Davis: Why UC Davis Scored Big with JUCO Guard Cyril Franklin
As we continue spotlighting the next wave of talent out of Las Vegas, one name that’s beginning to command some attention is Cyril Franklin, a 6’5” combo guard out of the College of Southern Nevada. He may not be on every national radar—yet—but if he continues to develop, there’s no question he can be a difference-maker at the Division I level….
“Noa Essengue NBA Draft Green Room Invite: France’s Versatile EuroCup Big Prospect Breakdown”
Noa Essengue – France’s Modern Big on the Rise Height: 6’10″ | Weight: 230 lb | Position: Power Forward/CenterCountry: France | Team: Ratiopharm Ulm (Germany) Noa Essengue is quietly building one of the most complete toolkits among European big men under 21. His ability to switch defensively, crash the boards, and serve as a secondary playmaker makes him a versatile presence who plays…
“2025–26 College Basketball Transfer Spotlight: Tulsa Lands High-Upside Guard Tylen Riley from Cal Baptist”
As we continue our nationwide spotlight on rising college basketball talent, one thing remains clear: it’s never too early to talk about the next generation of Vegas players. That’s the heart of “Around the Country in Two Minutes”—a series built to highlight under-the-radar names with real potential. Las Vegas, a city rapidly earning respect as a hotbed…
“From San Jose State to North Texas: How Will McClendon Strengthens the Mean Green Backcourt”
We’re now 147 days away from the tip-off of the 2025–26 college basketball season, and for NCAA Division I athletes, this stretch is where futures are shaped. The offseason is a critical window—where players evolve physically, tactically, and mentally in preparation for what’s next. For those of us who cover the game, this is the moment we lock in—tracking…
“Beyond the Hype: What Vegas Basketball Parents Need to Know About Paid Exposure”
🏀 18+ Years in the Game—and Still Asking Why? After nearly two decades of covering basketball—locally, and nationally—there’s still one question that stays with me: Why are parents paying people to write articles about their children? I’m not talking about legitimate scouting reports used by college coaches. I’m talking about promotional write-ups—articles that may look…
“More Than a Role Player: How Aaron Price Jr. Could Shift Cal Poly’s Season”
I’ve never believed it’s “too early” to shine a light on players from our city. In fact, it’s a responsibility—especially when that spotlight has the power to change the narrative for a player flying under the radar. Aaron Price Jr., a 6’8”, 225-pound forward from Las Vegas, fits that mold. He’s the kind of player…
“No Hype, Just Truth: Writing What the Camera Can’t Capture”
In today’s basketball world, everybody wants a voice—especially in the scouting lane. You see it all across social media: people posting evaluations, ranking players, and offering opinions on talent. But here’s the truth that often gets overlooked—many of them haven’t even seen these players in person. What sets real work apart from surface-level content is…
“The Quiet Beginning: Gonzalo Corbalán’s Forgotten Year at D2 Lubbock Christian”
Every so often, in the process of scouting or reflecting on the game, you come across a name that surprises you. That was the case as I revisited my son’s years at Lubbock Christian University. Tucked away in the archives was a player I hadn’t realized once suited up there: Gonzalo Corbalán. An Argentine Talent with…
Unit 1 Hoop Source 