The University of Nevada Las Vegas men's basketball team has hired assistant coach Kevin Kruger as its next head coach, the school announced Sunday.
Kruger, son of University of Oklahoma head coach Lon Kruger, was in his second year as an assistant coach for the UNLV program. Kruger played for his father after transferring to UNLV his senior year, leading the Runnin' Rebels to the Sweet Sixteen in 2007.
In the 2019-20 season, UNLV tied for second place in the Mountain West, marking the program’s best league finish in 12 years.
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Why Kruger?
Brian Hamilton, senior college basketball writer: Three days ago, UNLV’s head coach left for Iowa State. Its official statement announcing the hire said it “methodically” sifted through candidates for the job. That seems somewhat doubtful. Regardless, it’s not out of the ordinary to go for continuity and a fairly inexpensive hire under the circumstances. Kruger is a former player and just 37 years old and can grow the program as he grows into the role.
What‘s next for UNLV?
Hamilton: This coaching carousel might define the future of the Mountain West. Utah State’s Craig Smith, Colorado State’s Niko Medved and San Diego State’s Brian Dutcher could make leaps to power conference gigs. If Kruger can continue the build in Las Vegas, maybe he takes advantage of slippage elsewhere in the league thanks to other changes in leadership.
(Photo: Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
THIS‼️ 👇 #RebelFamily pic.twitter.com/MpZ47qSCri
— UNLV Athletics (@UNLVathletics) March 22, 2021
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