Monday, March 29, 2010 | 12:46 p.m.
Guiding the UNLV Rebels for six years, coach Lon Kruger has helped return the basketball program to national prominence. He and his wife, Barb, are involved in numerous charitable efforts, and Kruger even has found time to co-author a book, "The Xs and Os of Success: A Playbook for Leaders in Business and Life."
After finishing this season 23-7, the Rebels returned to the NCAA Tournament for the third time in four years. Las Vegas Magazine spoke with Kruger about his favorite things in the city he calls home.
Aloha Kitchen: The Student Special — less than $5 — is a favorite for our staff. Many of our recruiting and game-planning decisions have been made over an Aloha Kitchen lunch.
Jersey Boys at The Palazzo: Far and away one of the most enjoyable shows we have ever seen.
Las Vegas' giving heart: Barb and I have never been in a community that embraced charitable giving as much as Las Vegas. A few of the organizations we have had the opportunity to be involved with include Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth, Clark County School District's School-Community Partnership, Chefs for Kids, Epicurean Charitable Foundation and Safe Nest.
Medical care: There's outstanding medical care and facilities. Dr. Joseph Johnson advised me to have a stress test, and Dr. V.C. Smith performed a six-bypass surgery in August 2007.
Golfing in Las Vegas: While I don't play once basketball practice starts in mid-October through the end of the season, I make sure to get my fair share of rounds in during the offseason. I love golf, and there is no better city in the nation to be a golfer in.
Thomas & Mack Center: When UNLV Runnin' Rebel fans get the Thomas & Mack Center rocking, it is one of the toughest environments in the nation for an opposing team to play in. And it's only going to get better.
Terry Fator: Terry's rendition of "Viva Las Vegas" with his puppets is one of the most entertaining things you will ever see.
Baseball at Cashman Field Barb and I love baseball. It's hard to beat watching a ball game under the lights. Don Logan and his team are first class. We are fans.
— Originally published in Las Vegas Magazine
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