UNLV used Fogler Consulting to help with background checks and in other ways when looking for a men’s basketball coach. The Rebels hired T.J. Otzelberger on Wednesday.
UNLV
T.J. Otzelberger was introduced as UNLV’s basketball coach Thursday at the Thomas & Mack Center. The 41-year-old went 70-33 in three seasons at South Dakota State, making the NCAA Tournament twice.
South Dakota State’s T.J. Otzelberger has been hired as the UNLV men’s basketball coach. He went 70-33 in three seasons with the Jackrabbits, making the NCAA Tournament in his first two years and the NIT this season.
Noted defense attorney Michael Avenatti insinuated Tuesday night that UNLV used unscrupulous methods to land prized basketball recruit Brandon McCoy two years ago.
South Dakota State basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger has emerged as a strong candidate for the UNLV job, sources close to the search said Tuesday.
UNLV took a three-run lead into the ninth inning Sunday against UNR, but lost 7-6 in the 10th. That defeat also cost the Rebels a sweep of their chief rival.
Sources close to the UNLV program have identified VCU’s Mike Rhoades more than any other coaching candidate — Buffalo’s Nate Oats is the other — but it’s quite possible that both will eventually land at Power Five schools.
Former UNLV signee Ethan Anderson committed to Southern California on Friday, announcing his decision on Twitter.
Five UNLV basketball players have put their names into the NCAA Transfer Portal as the university searches for a new coach. The search is expected to last another week to 10 days.
Colorado State went to Fogler Consulting last year to help find its men’s basketball coach. UNLV is using the same firm as it searches to replace Marvin Menzies.
UNLV athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois has a history of looking for up-and-coming coaches. She might be following that plan as she looks to hire a men’s basketball coach.
UNR received a seventh seed and will play No. 10 Florida on Thursday in Des Moines, Iowa, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. No. 8 Utah State meets No. 9 Washington on Friday in Columbus, Ohio.
UNLV basketball players mostly declined to comment or did not return messages about the firing of coach Marvin Menzies. The one player who spoke, Bryce Hamilton, said the team was not happy with the decision.
Three of former San Diego State coach Steve Fisher’s assistants coached teams in the quarterfinals of the Mountain West Tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center. Two of them advanced to the semifinals.
These coaches could be considered for the UNLV men’s basketball job.