LAS VEGAS – Injuries changed the trajectory of UNLV’s season. Now the focus has shifted to recovery and next year.

Forward Ladji Dembele and guard Myles Che are both sidelined for the remainder of the season, but head coach Josh Pastner provided clarity this week on their status and long-term outlook.

Che recently returned to California to undergo foot surgery and recover near family. After initially attempting to allow the injury to heal naturally, medical evaluations determined another procedure was the best path forward.

“He’ll be fully cleared next summer,” Pastner said. “That’s the plan. Once he gets through the surgery and rehab, he should be ready to go.”

Che had previously undergone surgery during the summer, returned briefly and then refractured the foot. The staff opted to take a cautious approach before ultimately deciding on an additional procedure to ensure proper healing.

Dembele remains in Las Vegas and is around the program daily. Like Che, he is expected to require another procedure, though the timeline remains fluid as doctors continue to monitor progress. The goal, according to Pastner, is complete recovery before offseason workouts begin.

“Both guys are done for this year,” Pastner said. “We want them healthy for next year. That’s the most important thing.”

The losses were significant. Dembele was projected to anchor the interior in Mountain West play. After navigating the league for a full season, Pastner believes the junior big man would have been among the top centers in the conference.

“Ladji would have been one of the best five men in our league,” Pastner said. “There’s no doubt.”

Che’s absence also forced a shift in structure. The Junior guard had shown promise as a steady floor leader and perimeter shooter. Pastner noted that much of UNLV’s summer and fall planning centered around Che’s role in the offense.

“When he was healthy in the summer, we were at a different level,” Pastner said. “We built a lot around him.”

Without both players, the Rebels adjusted rotations and responsibilities midseason. Guards such as Dravyn Gibbs-Lawhorn absorbed additional ballhandling duties, while frontcourt depth was tested.

Despite the setbacks, both Dembele and Che have remained engaged with the team. While neither travels due to mobility restrictions following surgery, their presence at practices and home games has been noticeable.

“Both have been great teammates,” Pastner said. “Great leaders.”

The timeline remains optimistic. The program expects both players to be fully cleared for practice and conditioning by next summer, positioning them to participate in offseason workouts without restriction.

For UNLV, the priority is long-term health. The Rebels continue to push toward the conference tournament with a shortened rotation, but internally the foundation for 2026-27 is already taking shape.

Recovery now. Reset this summer. Return next fall.

That is the plan.