Getting To Know: Lon Kruger

Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2006 | 12:33 p.m.

Job description: Second-year UNLV basketball coach.

What book is on your night stand?

I don't read a lot during the season. Right now, I'm reading "When Cuba Conquered Kentucky" (Rutledge Hill Press) by Marianne Walker, about the 1952 Cuba High basketball team that won the Kentucky state championship. They were from a small town on the Western side of Kentucky, maybe 30 kids in the graduating class. As eighth graders, they committed to it. A good story.

What's in your CD player?

Chicago. Hits from "Mamma Mia!" Abba. Feel-good stuff.

"Mamma Mia!"?

I like Abba. That's a great show. I've seen it three or four times. Once in New York and a couple of times here.

What's in your video player?

When I get a chance, I watch Arizona State games, copies of Kevin's games. (Kruger's son Kevin is ASU's leading scorer.) Late at night, after watching our tapes, or on the treadmill, I'll watch one of his games.

Want fries with that?

I would like to, but I try to limit that. I grew up with everything being fried or covered with cheese. The old country farming background. I ate those types of meals.

Paper or plastic?

Paper. It's better long term.

Your favorite meal?

Steak and potato. Rib eye. Always rib eye. It's pretty hard to beat.

People may not know ...

The number of quality coaches we have at UNLV, whether it's softball, the soccer teams, volleyball, football, women's basketball, swimming ... across the board. We have a terrific group of coaches. We don't fully realize sometimes how good they are.

Rob Miech can be reached at 259-4087 or at miech@lasvegassun.com.