Josh Pastner aims to revive UNLV basketball's former glory

In Las Vegas, former Georgia Tech and Memphis head coach Josh Pastner was named the new head coach for the UNLV men's basketball program, a significant move intended to restore the legacy of a once-dominant team that has recently struggled in the college basketball landscape. This announcement came after the dismissal of Kevin Kruger, who had a record of 76 wins to 55 losses over four seasons without qualifying for the NCAA Tournament. The Rebels, who captured a national championship in 1990, have not participated in the NCAA Tournament since 2013 and have not progressed beyond the Sweet 16 since 2007, highlighting a notable decline in their competitiveness. Pastner, at the age of 47, expressed enthusiasm for taking on this challenge, recognizing the importance of UNLV in both the local community and the broader world of college basketball, stating it has always been a dream job for him. He emphasized his dedication to working with alumni and engaging the community, aiming to rebuild the program's stature. His coaching record showcases varied success, with earlier achievements at Memphis leading to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances and conference titles, but he also faced challenges during his recent tenure at Georgia Tech, ending with a losing record. As he embarks on this new journey, the commitment to revive the Rebels will involve harnessing his recruiting skills and building a competitive team capable of achieving success in college basketball again. The expectations for Pastner are high, as there is a strong desire among fans and stakeholders to see UNLV return to being a powerhouse in the sport.