Elijah Price Commits to Nevada: All-Mountain West Star Returns for Junior Season
The Nevada men’s basketball program secured a massive victory in the offseason before the first whistle even blew. Elijah Price, one of the most versatile and productive players in the Mountain West, has officially announced he is returning to the Nevada Wolf Pack for his junior season.
Price shared the news via Instagram on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, with a simple and definitive message: “I’m back.” By choosing to stay in Reno, Price bypasses the transfer portal, providing the Wolf Pack with a cornerstone piece of stability and talent as they navigate a shifting conference landscape.
A Dominant Force in the Mountain West
Price’s decision to return comes on the heels of a breakout campaign where he established himself as a premier frontcourt presence. A 6-foot-9, 215-pound power forward, Price earned a spot on the All-MW second team and garnered all-conference defensive honors.
His statistical impact last season was comprehensive, blending scoring efficiency with elite rim protection and rebounding. Price averaged 12.8 points and 8.5 rebounds per game while playing 30 minutes per contest. His efficiency from the line was a league-best, ranking first in the Mountain West in both free throws made and attempted.
By the Numbers: Last Season’s Impact
- Scoring & Efficiency: 12.8 PPG with 44.3% field goal shooting and 35.5% from beyond the arc.
- Glass & Rim Protection: 8.5 RPG and 1.7 blocks per game (ranking second in the MW in both categories).
- Consistency: Recorded 12 double-doubles over the course of the season.
- Defensive Versatility: Totaled 62 blocks and 1.2 steals per game.
The Road to Reno: A Collegiate Journey
Price’s ascent to all-conference status has been a journey of strategic moves. He began his college career at Drake, where he spent a year as a redshirt. He then transferred to Fresno State, where he quickly made a name for himself as one of the top freshmen in the Mountain West.
His move to Nevada proved to be the catalyst for his current trajectory. Now with two seasons of college eligibility remaining, Price has evolved from a promising prospect into a versatile forward capable of impacting every facet of the game.
Strategic Implications for the Wolf Pack
Retaining Price was a top priority for Nevada athletics. His presence is particularly critical as the Mountain West undergoes significant realignment. The conference is set to lose several stalwarts, including Boise State, San Diego State, Colorado State, Utah State, and Fresno State.
As the league landscape shifts, having a proven, all-conference talent like Price gives Nevada a competitive edge. His ability to stretch the floor with a 35.5% three-point average while remaining a defensive anchor makes him a difficult matchup for any opponent in the new MW configuration.
Key Takeaways: Elijah Price’s Profile
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Position | Power Forward |
| Physicals | 6’9″, 215 lbs |
| Accolades | All-MW Second Team, All-Conference Defensive Honors |
| Eligibility | Two seasons remaining |
| Conference Rank | 1st in FT Made/Attempted; 2nd in Rebounds/Blocks |
Looking Ahead
With Price locked in for his junior year, Nevada has a clear building block for its future. The Wolf Pack now possess a player who can lead the team in rebounding and blocks while providing a reliable scoring threat from both the interior and the perimeter. As the program prepares for the next season, Price’s commitment ensures that Nevada remains a formidable contender in the evolving Mountain West.