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UNLV head basketball coach Dave Rice proved again this week that he remains a solid recruiter. This week he landed Christian Vital, a highly touted three-star recruit originally from New York. Vital is a combo guard who will add to a needed back court in the 2016 class.
Vital currently attends St. Thomas More where he averages nearly 9 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 assist per game. Even more impressive, he averages around 40% from three point land, a consistency that is essential for the Rebels next year. A player who will undoubtedly fill the stat sheet even more during his college career, he will be a welcome addition to a back court that, likely, will continue to be led by point guard Patrick McCaw when Vital arrives.
As several young recruits decide to do these days, he made his announcement on Twitter.
THANK YOU ALL. Many may not understand why not but they will VERY SOON. #UNLV #RebelGang #Rebel pic.twitter.com/bnq71ZZl0o
— Christian CV Vital (@I_AMCV) September 23, 2015
These words came after a very heart felt and detailed statement that thanked his friends, mentors, and family for the support they have given him through the years.
Vital recently visited UNLV over the weekend, and obviously the visit made a lasting impression on him. He turned down offers from schools such as VCU, SMU, and Boston College. And instead, he will come across the country next year to play for a young and hungry Rebel team; and in the near future, if the Runnin' Rebs can keep such promising players such as Stephen Zimmerman from bolting to the NBA after one season in Vegas, this is a team that could be a heightened threat not simply in the Mountain West but also for the rest of the country.
Rebel fans should understand that Vital is not initially going to be a high flier or flashy player with exceptional talent above the rest, but his most immediate contributions will be his aggressiveness and consistent outside shooting ability. That said, over time, Vital should prove to be a defensive headache for other teams and "vital" to the Rebels' future success.