Recruiting Winston Shepard Updates

The UNLV Runnin’ Rebel coaching staff is currently chasing some of the most sought after players in the country for their upcoming recruiting classes.

Recently, as a special to Rebel-net.com, Christian Popoola got a chance to sit down with one playeron the Rebel wishlist. Winston Shepard, of Findlay Prep, talked about UNLV and what it’s chances of landing players of this magnitude are.

Here is the Q&A:

Coach Kruger and his entire staff have been on hand to see you play a lot during this summer. What kind of impact does that have on the recruiting process and how is your family’s relationship with him and the staff?

Shepard: Coach Kruger coming out to my games has a big impact on my considering UNLV. I think that shows that they are recruiting me heavily and that they are active in trying to get me to come to UNLV, so that has a big impact on me. I have a good relationship with the staff. They call me a lot. Coach Kruger has talked to my mom. My mom likes UNLV.

2) When you think of UNLV as an option, what sticks out as the strongest points?

Shepard: I definitely look at UNLV as a school I’m considering. Some of the things I like about the school is that it has a great history and a lot of tradition in the 90′s, like with Larry Johnson and that squad. I can see myself being a part of something like that. The city of Las Vegas is a great city. Those are the two biggest things.

3) Ultimately, what is going to be the single most important criteria to you choosing a school? Relationship with the coach, playing time,ability for the staff to improve your game, winning, education, location, etc?

Shepard: A great education if basketball doesn’t work out for me. The location of the school, then the relationship with the coach and what type of relationship the coach has with my mother. That’s going to be the three biggest deciding factors.

When you say location, are you saying location near Findlay Prep or location near Texas?

Shepard: I say location like the conference. I want a very competitive conference. The Big East, Pac-10, Big Ten, Mountain West, those kinds of conferences.

4) Which schools are recruiting you the hardest?

Shepard: UNLV, Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M, Memphis, Kansas, Louisville, UCLA and Oklahoma State.