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twitterUNLV BASKETBALL:
Hoffman set to give up hoops, pursue other opportunities
Former walk-on won’t use fifth year of eligibility, opting for either pursuing an MBA or joining the workforce
Sam Morris
UNLV guard Scott Hoffman watches the closing minutes of their 73-55 loss to Cal on Nov. 28 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Thursday, May 28, 2009 | 2:15 a.m.
Killin Time: Scott Hoffman
Christine Killimayer sits down with UNLV guard Scott Hoffman.
Krugerology: Ball Handling
UNLV Head Coach Lon Kruger dissects ball handling drills, with the help of Scott Hoffman.
Attitude, effort and competitiveness over the past four seasons made Scotty Hoffman one of the more popular players on the UNLV roster -- both with fans and his teammates.
Now it's time for the Hays, Kan., product to see what those qualities can get him in the real world.
Hoffman, who graduated from UNLV this month with a bachelor's degree in finance, will opt not to use his final year of eligibility as a walk-on for Lon Kruger's club.
Instead, he's exploring a couple of options. Having already successfully completed the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), he's deciding between attending grad school and obtaining his Masters of Business Administration degree or trying his hand in the working world for a couple of years.
His GMAT certification is good for five years, which would allow him to go back for his MBA without a hitch, should he decide to work for awhile.
Commercial banking is the area that most appeals to Hoffman.
"The first year of grad school, the first semester, they try to weed everybody out," Hoffman said. "If I'm (playing basketball), I don't think I can commit myself to school as much as I want to.
"I've got a couple of (job) interviews coming up. I've been here for five years, so I don't consider it quitting by any means. I've kinda gotta move on to a new chapter in my life. I think of it more like a career change."
Hoffman wound up at UNLV thanks to a friendship between his father, Don, and Rebels coach Lon Kruger, that dates back to when the two played baseball together at Kansas State in the early 1970s.
Hoffman was courted by junior colleges, Division-II schools and a couple of mid-majors, but opted for a walk-on spot at UNLV, where he developed into a high-quality practice foe for those in the regular rotation.
"You couldn't have asked a guy to contribute more than he did," Kruger said. "Those guys are really important. Not everyone can play the big minutes. You need guys who can practice and have a great attitude. Scott did that every day."
This past season, he and chatty fellow walk-on Steve "Chopper" Jones were the vocal leaders of the "blackshirts," UNLV's group of walk-ons and transfers who pressed the rotation guys on a daily basis. Hoffman developed a knack for hitting tough, awkward 3-pointers and finishing around the rim in sneaky fashion.
He only appeared in 10 games this season as a fourth-year junior for a total of 18 minutes -- including hitting his only career 3-pointer on Jan. 31 at Air Force -- but leaves with no regrets.
"I think of all the people I've met and the experiences like going to the Sweet 16 and stuff like that, they've made me a better person," Hoffman said. "I got to see the whole world. We went to Australia and Hawaii. Nothing can compare to these last five years. I wouldn't trade it for the world."
For the time being, Hoffman's living the same life as several recent college grads who are dipping their feet in the "real world" waters, waiting for the right time to jump in.
That means playing some pick-up ball. Trudging over to local golf courses. Maybe even a little vacation.
"I've just kinda been bored," he joked. "We were supposed to go to Mexico, but the swine flu kinda ruined that plan."
He is working some connections in the meantime, and hopes to have the next step figured out shortly.
One thing appears certain, though -- the next phase of his life looks like it'll be taking place in Las Vegas.
"Definitely," he said, adding that Kansas City would be about his only other destination of choice. "I'm gonna be in Vegas for awhile."
Discussion: 7 comments so far…
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Thanks for being a part of the Runnin Rebels, Scotty. Good luck in your future endeavors. And thank god you're staying in Vegas, KW would be lost without you!
You are a true Runnin' Rebel, Scotty. Thank you for playing a part in reviving this program. Good luck in the future. You will be remembered here for a long, long time.
Good move Scotty and I wish you much success
Who?
Who? Shut up loser. Show this guy some respect. It's not easy to give so much to the team knowing you're going to get very little in the way of playing time.
Best wishes Scotty.
Smart move. At least he realized he was not going to have a pro career after college and is now moving on to something else.
I wish him the best.
S711
Thanks for all the hard work Scotty!
I am sorry to see you go because I know you made the team stronger.
Good luck in grad school!