Amanda Knapp
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) still has a basketball team, known as the Runnin' Rebels, which represents the university in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Runnin' Rebels have had a successful history, with 14 out of 16 coaches having winning records and the team achieving the seventh-highest winning percentage in Division I history as of 2023. The team has also appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 11 times and has produced several notable players, including Glen Gondrezick, who played for the New York Knicks and Denver Nuggets, and Anthony Bennett, a former NBA number one draft pick. UNLV recently hired Josh Pastner as its new head basketball coach, indicating that the university remains committed to its basketball program.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Team Name | Runnin' Rebels |
| University | University of Nevada, Las Vegas |
| Conference | Mountain West Conference |
| League | National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) |
| Home Court | Thomas & Mack Center |
| Number of Coaches | 16 |
| Number of Coaches with Winning Records | 14 |
| Number of Players with Retired Jerseys | 10 |
| Recent Player Transfers | Howard Fleming Jr., Al Green, Dra Gibbs-Lawhorn, Ladji Dembele |
| Current Head Coach | Josh Pastner |
| Recent Player Departures | Dedan Thomas Jr., Stanley Borden |
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What You'll Learn
UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels is the men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The team plays at the Thomas & Mack Center, an 18,000-seat arena on campus.
The Runnin' Rebels have a rich history in college basketball, with 16 head coaches throughout their history. Notably, Jerry Tarkanian, inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, led the team to the NCAA Division I tournament Championship in 1990 and the NCAA Regional – NCAA Division I Men's Final Four in 1977, 1987, 1990, and 1991. The team has also appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 11 times.
UNLV takes pride in its athletic facilities, which are considered some of the best in collegiate athletics. The Runnin' Rebels started playing in 1958-59, initially at a municipal gym in downtown Las Vegas and later at the Nevada Southern Gym (now the Marjorie Barrick Museum). The team moved to the NSU Gymnasium (formerly known as Nevada Southern University) for their third season in 1960-61, playing there for six seasons before relocating to the Las Vegas Convention Center.
The Runnin' Rebels are known for their up-tempo offense and stifling defense, often turning close games into blowouts with long runs. In 1986, they returned to the Final Four, losing to Indiana. However, in 1990, they made history by beating Duke by a record-breaking margin of 103-73 in the NCAA Championship game, becoming the only team to score over 100 points in the final.
In recent years, the team has experienced some setbacks. After the departure of Chris Beard, Marvin Menzies was hired as head coach for the 2016-17 season, but the team finished with an 11-21 record, placing last in the Mountain West Conference. Despite these challenges, UNLV continues to invest in its athletic programs, and the Runnin' Rebels remain a prominent part of the university's athletic tradition.
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UNLV basketball coaching staff changes
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels is the men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The team has had a total of 16 head coaches in its history, with 14 of those coaches having winning records at UNLV.
One of the most notable coaches in UNLV's history is Jerry Tarkanian, who led the team to the NCAA Division I tournament Championship in 1990 and the NCAA Regional – NCAA Division I Men's Final Four in 1977, 1987, 1990, and 1991. Tarkanian's achievements were recognized by renaming the basketball court at the Thomas & Mack Center in his honor in 2005.
Following Tarkanian's departure, UNLV hired Rollie Massimino, who was later replaced by Tim Grgurich. However, Grgurich resigned after just seven games in the 1994 season. The team then went through several coaching changes, including Howie Landa and Cleveland Edwards, who finished the 1994-95 season.
In 2025, UNLV introduced Josh Pastner as the new head coach of the Runnin' Rebels. Pastner announced his coaching staff for the 2025-26 season, which includes associate head coach Scott Garson, assistant coaches Anthony Wilkins, and Justin Hawkins, director of strategy and analytics Hayden Sheridan, and director of basketball operations DeShawn Henry. This diverse coaching staff is expected to contribute to the program's growth and success.
UNLV's basketball program is known for its prestigious athletic facilities and dedicated fan base. The team plays at the Thomas & Mack Center, an 18,000-seat arena on campus, and has achieved notable success in Division I history, with a high winning percentage.
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UNLV basketball players' academic achievements
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) has a basketball team called the Runnin' Rebels, which represents the university in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Runnin' Rebels have had a successful basketball program, with 14 out of 16 coaches having winning records. The team has appeared in the NCAA Division I tournament 20 times and won the NCAA Championship in 1990. They also have the seventh-highest winning percentage in Division I history.
The success of the Runnin' Rebels is not limited to the basketball court, as the student athletes have also excelled academically. In the 2018-19 academic year, UNLV's student athletes achieved a record-setting GPA of 3.09, with 12 teams setting academic records. Additionally, one-third of UNLV's student athletes were on the dean's list during that academic year.
UNLV's basketball program provides its student athletes with the support and resources they need to succeed academically. The Mendenhall Center, a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility, includes an academic area and film room, providing spaces for players to focus on their studies. The program also receives private support and donations, which help provide student athletes with opportunities to excel in their classes and in their athletic pursuits.
The Runnin' Rebels have produced several notable players who have gone on to have successful basketball careers, including in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Some of the retired jerseys of accomplished players include Robert Smith's number 10, Freddie Banks's number 13, Eddie Owens' number 11, and Glen Gondrezick, a former NBA player who also served as a sports broadcaster for the Rebels.
The team's success can be attributed to renowned coaches such as Jerry Tarkanian, who led the Runnin' Rebels to numerous achievements, including the NCAA Championship in 1990. Tarkanian's contributions were recognized, and the basketball court at the Thomas & Mack Center was renamed in his honor in 2005.
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UNLV basketball facilities and locations
The UNLV Runnin' Rebels are the men's basketball team representing the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA). The Runnin' Rebels play their home games at the Thomas & Mack Center, a multipurpose arena on the southwest corner of the UNLV campus. The arena, which can accommodate 18,000 spectators, opened in 1983 and is named after prominent Nevada bankers E. Parry Thomas and Jerome Mack, who donated the funds for the initial feasibility and land studies. In recognition of his achievements as the coach of the Runnin' Rebels, the basketball court at the Thomas & Mack Center was renamed the Jerry Tarkanian Court in 2005. Tarkanian led the team to numerous successes, including an NCAA Division I tournament championship and multiple appearances in the NCAA Regional – NCAA Division I Men's Final Four.
Prior to the construction of the Thomas & Mack Center, the Runnin' Rebels utilised several different facilities for their games and practices. For their first two seasons (1958-1960), the team practiced at a nearby junior high school, while their home games were held at the Dula Memorial Gymnasium off Bonanza Road. In their third season (1960-1961), they moved to the NSU Gymnasium (formerly known as the Nevada Southern Gym) located on the UNLV campus. The Runnin' Rebels played at the NSU Gymnasium for six seasons before relocating to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Today, the NSU Gymnasium has been transformed into the Marjorie Barrick Museum, with the original hardwood basketball court floor still preserved and serving as the floor of the museum.
In addition to the Thomas & Mack Center, the UNLV Runnin' Rebels also benefit from other basketball facilities on campus. The Mendenhall Center, announced in 2010, is a state-of-the-art basketball practice facility attached to the south side of the Cox Pavilion, located near the Thomas & Mack Center. UNLV takes pride in its world-class athletic facilities, which contribute to the success of its student athletes both on and off the court.
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UNLV basketball players' transfers
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) still has a basketball team, known as the Runnin' Rebels. The Runnin' Rebels represent UNLV in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and play at the Thomas & Mack Center on campus.
UNLV has a rich basketball history, with 16 head coaches leading the team since its establishment. The team has appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 11 times and, as of 2023, boasts the seventh-highest winning percentage (.687) in Division I history.
In terms of player transfers, the UNLV Lady Rebels underwent a significant overhaul following the 2024-25 season. Three key players, Amarachi Kimpson, McKinna Brackens, and Macy Spencer, entered the NCAA transfer portal after a disappointing season. To address this, UNLV welcomed six new transfers: Sydni Summers, Ongolea Afu, Destiny Brown, Shelbee Brown, Mariah Elohim, and Destiny Leo. The team also recruited incoming freshmen Trystan James, Hodaya Kabada, and Alexis Swillis.
On the men's side, several players have transferred in and out of the Runnin' Rebels program in recent years. For example, in 2023, Keshon Gilbert transferred from UNLV to Iowa State, while Kalib Boone, Jalen Hill, and Keylan Boone entered the transfer portal and committed to other programs.
UNLV is known for its athletic facilities and student support, which provide a strong foundation for its basketball teams to succeed and for its athletes to excel both on and off the court.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, UNLV has a basketball team.
The UNLV men's basketball team is called the Runnin' Rebels. They represent the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the Mountain West Conference of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).
The UNLV women's basketball team is also called the Runnin' Rebels.
The Runnin' Rebels have a strong record in basketball. As of 2023, they had the seventh-highest winning percentage (.687) in Division I history. They have appeared in the National Invitation Tournament (NIT) 11 times, with a combined record of 10-12.
As of 2024, Josh Pastner is the head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels.
