Three senior leaders are gone, junior guard Tre’Von Willis returns, and UNLV’s basketball team officially begins a transformation when practice opens tonight.
UNLV Basketball
The Lady Rebels’ first season under coach Kathy Olivier ended with a losing record, but it was considered a success. UNLV is predicted to finish seventh in the MWC in the 2009-10 season, according to a poll of the league’s nine head coaches and select media. Olivier is shooting for higher goals after a strong finish to her first year.
Predictions in October mean nothing in March, so UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger expressed no qualms with the poll results unveiled Tuesday.
Even in retirement, Jerry Tarkanian was always on the run, traveling across the country and speaking to various groups. For the past few months, though, it has been a challenge for him to walk.
Jerry Koloskie’s picture hangs on the wall near the athletic director’s office, added recently alongside that of Mike Hamrick and UNLV’s other former ADs.
In the distant future, Matt Shaw can picture himself on the big screen, ideally playing a comedic role.
A winter spent in seclusion has motivated Bryce Jones to show something special in Las Vegas.
Guard Wink Adams, who finished his college career as UNLV’s sixth all-time leading scorer, and forward Rene Rougeau, a walk-on who became a two-year starter and was the Rebels’ most versatile player, know they won’t be drafted, but they still aim to play in the NBA.
The point guard in Robert Smith could handle tonight without dropping a tear or bead of sweat. Calm. Cool. A massive grip around his emotions.
UNLV’s Lon Kruger realizes he’s in an enviable position by serving as the unofficial host coach of the Mountain West Conference basketball tournament.
In two years at Utah, coach Jim Boylen has made an impact on Mountain West Conference basketball in a variety of ways.
The first time he was recruited by UNLV, Quintrell Thomas decided his basketball future was more promising in Kansas. A year later, he had second thoughts.
When they last met, UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger and Louisville’s Rick Pitino parted ways without a handshake. Kruger was the surprise winner, and Pitino was perceived as a sore loser.
As the stories about Glen Gondrezick flowed, the tears followed. There was plenty of laughter, too, which is how Gondrezick probably would have scripted it.