Instead of engaging in a long and exhaustive search for its next basketball coach, UNLV chose to promote assistant Kevin Kruger to the post, the school announced Sunday night.
Kruger, who played for UNLV with his father, Lon, spent two years on TJ Otzelberger’s coaching staff. He was previously an assistant in Oklahoma and Northern Arizona, after a career as a professional player that included spells in the G League, Bulgaria, Italy, Mexico, Belgium and Germany.
It was set to be presented formally during a virtual press conference on Monday morning. Kruger succeeds Otzelberger, who last week accepted the position of chief coach in Iowa.
“As we methodically went through the interview process talking to many strong candidates, Kevin impressed us with his vision, the depth and sophistication of his plan and his enthusiasm,” said UNLV athletic director Desiree Reed-Francois in a statement.
“He cares about student-athletes and helps them to realize their hopes and dreams. He demonstrated integrity and consistent leadership, and his love for UNLV and our Las Vegas community is unquestionable, ”she added. “He is a rebel, he helped the program develop a solid foundation and has been preparing for it all his life. I am proud that Kevin and his family will stay with us for years to come. “
UNLV wanted to act quickly after Otzelberger left to provide players on the list with a fair opportunity to assess their futures amid what is expected to be an expansive transfer market after the pandemic. Reed-Francois was interested in other candidates, such as Saint Mary coach Randy Bennett and Los Angeles Lakers assistant Jason Kidd.
But there was always a chance for her to stay home to maintain some appearance of the continuity that the program has been lacking since Jerry Tarkanian’s days. Kruger, 37, definitely provides that, having played for the Rebels in 2006-07 and trained at UNLV for the past two years.
He said he was “speechless” in a statement released on Sunday.
“This is the home for me and my family,” said Kruger. “I’m looking forward to continuing to work with the guys on our team. We will go after him and build on the foundation that has been established. “
That base at the venue yielded a record 12-15 this season and an exit in the second round of the Mountain West tournament. Players can transfer without spending a year away, and it is likely that some of the rebels will at least explore their options through the transfer portal.
But there is some talent at work, along with a rich but decadent tradition, of which Kruger is a part. He led the Rebels in their last appearance on Sweet Sixteen during his only season as a point guard.
Maybe he can get them back there. This time, as your coach.
“I am excited that Kevin will serve as the new head coach of UNLV men’s basketball,” said UNLV President Dr. Keith E. Whitfield in a statement. “Kevin demonstrated incredible knowledge, high integrity and preparedness for this opportunity. I am excited about the direction the athletics department is taking under Desiree’s leadership. Kevin is the perfect person to lead our Runnin ‘Rebel basketball team. “
Contact reporter Sam Gordon at [email protected]. follow @BySamGordon on twitter.