Josh Pastner Encouraged by Early UNLV Runnin' Rebels Roster
New UNLV head coach Josh Pastner has expressed optimism about what he has seen from the Runnin' Rebels program so far, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Pastner Sees Promise in UNLV's Runnin' Rebels
Josh Pastner is settling into his new role as head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels, and early signs have the veteran coach feeling good about what he has in front of him. According to reporting by the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Pastner has been encouraged by what he has observed from the program since taking over.
Pastner, who previously led Georgia Tech for several seasons, brings significant head coaching experience to Las Vegas. His arrival at UNLV has generated considerable attention in Mountain West basketball circles, and his initial read on the roster appears to be a positive one.
What Pastner Has Said About the Roster
The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Pastner has liked what he has seen from the Runnin' Rebels as he evaluates his new team. While specific quotes from the coach were not independently verified for this report, the general thrust of his early public comments points toward confidence in the group he has inherited and is building.
For any new head coach, the early weeks involve assessing personnel, identifying strengths and gaps, and beginning to install a system. Pastner appears to be moving through that process with a favorable impression of the talent and character on hand at UNLV.
UNLV Basketball's Broader Context
The Runnin' Rebels carry one of the more storied identities in college basketball, tied closely to the program's run under Jerry Tarkanian in the 1980s and early 1990s. Returning that program to consistent national relevance has been a stated goal for the athletic department, and hiring an experienced Power conference coach like Pastner signals that ambition.
The Mountain West remains a competitive mid-major conference, and UNLV has shown it can recruit to Las Vegas. How quickly Pastner can build on the existing foundation will shape expectations heading into the coming season.
As preseason work continues, Pastner's early optimism gives the UNLV fan base a reason to pay close attention to how the roster develops through workouts and into the nonconference schedule.
