2012-13 Top Transfers: #2 Khem Birch, UNLV
If the Rebels can wait ten games, UNLV will find themselves with a potentially dominating defensive player with a developing offensive game to complement the surrounding talent of a national championship contending roster. Khem Birch, a 6'9" transfer from Pitt, was a McDonald's All-American in high school, but averaged just 4.4 points and 5.0 rebounds per game with the Panthers in 10 games last season.
UNLV is loaded up front with former UCLA transfer Mike Moser, an unanimous All-Mountain West pick in 2011-12, along with Anthony Bennett, another McDonald's All-American and now add Birch to the mix. UNLV will challenge the likes of UCLA, Indiana, Syracuse and Duke for the nation's top frontcourt with this three-man rotation.
Despite his raw offensive game, Birch posted 1.9 blocks in 15 minutes per game and a blocked shots percentage ranking eighth in the country in 2011-12. His offensive and defensive rebounding rates were just as strong, posting the 14th highest offensive rebounding rate in the country and a top-100 rating on the defensive glass. With Birch, Moser and Bennett leading the way, UNLV will control the glass to a MWC title.
By NBA-DRAFT.com Staff Writer - 10 - 11 - 12
