UNLV Rebels

Photograph

Justin M. Bowen

Rene Rougeau of UNLV throws down a monster jam on Dec. 6, 2008 at the Lawlor Events Center in Reno. UNLV defeated UNR 64-57. Rougeau now hopes to climb the ladder in the pro ranks the same way he did as a former walk-on for the Rebels.

Rougeau trying to climb ladder all over again
UNLV BASKETBALL: Former UNLV walk-on preparing for potential overseas pro career
Fri, Jun 26, 2009 (2:30 a.m.)
René Rougeau, the first college graduate in his family, didn't take long to learn the strains of a 9-to-5 grind, even doing something he loves. Rougeau, a former walk-on who averaged 10.9 points and 6.7 rebounds per game last season as a UNLV senior, is now venturing out to prove he can make a pro career for himself. With the work he's put in so far since the Rebels' disappointing 21-11 campaign came to a quick halt with an opening round NIT loss at Kentucky, it'd be hard to find many doubters.

6

From left, UNLV director of basketball operations Vince Booker, coach Jay Spoonhour and assistant coach Dave Rice react during a game against San Diego State at the Thomas & Mack Center Tuesday, February 17, 2004.
BYU assistant says coach upbeat in fight with cancer
mountain west: Former Rebel Dave Rice bringing stability to Cougars' program
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
As doctors devise a treatment schedule to battle BYU basketball coach Dave Rose’s pancreatic cancer, Cougars associate head coach Dave Rice has marveled at his boss’s attitude and strength.

1

A sequence of photographs of UNLV's  Steve "Chopper" Jones as he is interviewed on Thursday, June 18.
‘Chopper’ Jones has little playing time, lots of inspiration
UNLV BASKETBALL: Guard hopes to make the best of his short time at UNLV
Monday, June 22, 2009
UNLV basketball player Steve “Chopper” Jones is serving notice to anyone sitting, and holding a bag of popcorn or a soda, in the first few rows of the Thomas & Mack Center. Photographers, too, had better beware. “Watch out,” the 6-foot-1, 220-pound guard said after a run of pick-up ball last week. “I’ve always wanted to dive into the photographers.”

10

Utah center Luke Nevill leaps over Wyoming forward Tyson Johnson to reach a rebound during their semifinal game at the Mountain West Conference Basketball Championships Friday. Utah won 68-55 and will face San Diego State Saturday for an automatic trip to the NCAA Tournament. Nevill finished with a game high 23 points and 15 rebounds.
BYU forward, Utah center could be drafted into NBA
Expert says UNLV's Adams likely won't be selected
Friday, June 19, 2009
The Mountain West Conference basketball players who are available for next week’s NBA draft might not want to listen to what pro scouts and executives think about them.

7

UNLV junior forward Matt Shaw, who tore the ACL in his right knee last summer, looks to bolster the Rebels' post production this season upon his return.
Recovered Shaw up to the challenge in the post
UNLV BASKETBALL: 6-foot-8 junior, back from knee surgery, is ready to bolster UNLV's inside game
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Not too long ago, Matt Shaw's tattoo artist of choice came to his home to apply the latest piece of art to the UNLV junior forward's person. It looks nothing short of painful to have had applied. And it certainly was. But to Shaw, who less than a year earlier went through surgery to repair a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee -- plus the subsequent discomfort that comes with rehab -- it wasn't unbearable.

24

Johnson leaves Las Vegas with good impression of UNLV program
UNLV BASKETBALL: Atlanta wing has already visited Rebels, Charlotte, also plans on visiting Xavier, LSU
Monday, June 8, 2009
While he didn't drop everything and commit on the spot, Noel Johnson came away with nothing but positives from his weekend visit to UNLV. Johnson, a 6-foot-7 wing from Fayette County High in suburban Atlanta, is ranked by Rivals.com as the No. 53 prospect in the 2009 class and the No. 2 remaining unsigned senior.

28

UNLV head coach Lon Kruger golfs at the Southern Highlands Golf Club Monday for the Coaches vs. Cancer Las Vegas Golf Classic.
Kruger’s competitive edge not meant for golf course
UNLV BASKETBALL: At fundraiser, UNLV coach tees off for rest and relaxation
Friday, June 5, 2009
His ball never landed in sand. It splashed into water once. The only other trouble UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger found was in the wheat-like thickets to the left of the 18th fairway. “First time he’d been in there,” said veteran caddy Bruce “B.A.” Davis. A round of golf with Kruger at Southern Highlands is a study in class and composure, of patience and sportsmanship. Most important to him is enjoying good company, a beautiful day and an immaculate course. Kruger keeps his clubs in a skinny, worn, black bag.

9

Former Southern Cal commit Johnson to visit UNLV this weekend
UNLV BASKETBALL: 6-foot-7 forward said he's followed Rebels, looking for chance to play right away
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
UNLV coach Lon Kruger indicated a couple weeks back after landing a commitment from Kansas transfer Quintrell Thomas that, unless something popped up, he didn't anticipate adding any other players to the 2009-10 fold. Well, something popped up.

86

Action during UNLV's game against San Diego State in March during the Mountain West Conference tournament at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Las Vegas awarded Mountain West tourney through 2013
unlv basketball: Several cities had made bids for tournament
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
The Mountain West Conference basketball tournament will remain in Las Vegas through 2013. The conference’s Board of Directors announced today that it has agreed to implement an extension beyond 2010.

11

UNLV head coach Lon Kruger poses with Kansas State head coach Frank Martin on Sunday night at the Hardwood Suite at the Palms in Las Vegas.
Kruger, Kansas State coach laid groundwork for series
rebels BASKETBALL: UNLV coach will return to Kansas area for matchup next season
Monday, June 1, 2009
When Bob Huggins left Kansas State two years ago and assistant Frank Martin was named the Wildcats’ coach, one of the first congratulatory calls Martin received was from UNLV boss Lon Kruger. Sunday night in the Hardwood Suite at the Palms, Martin recalled the conversation as if it had taken place earlier that day.

5

UNLV guard Scott Hoffman watches the closing minutes of their 73-55 loss to Cal on Nov. 28 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Hoffman set to give up hoops, pursue other opportunities
UNLV BASKETBALL: Former walk-on won't use fifth year of eligibility, opting for either pursuing an MBA or joining the workforce
Thursday, May 28, 2009
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.

7

Kansas' Quintrell Thomas (11) gets past UMKC's James Humphrey (1) and Latreze Mushatt (4) to put up a shot during the first half on Nov. 16, 2008, in Lawrence, Kan. Thomas announced on April 9 that he will transfer from KU.
It's official: Kansas transfer Quintrell Thomas to sign with UNLV
REBELS BASKETBALL: Familiarity with staff, ability to make deep tourney runs ultimately won New Jersey forward over
Friday, May 22, 2009
Quintrell Thomas may have been still in diapers when coach Jerry Tarkanian had the UNLV hoops program rolling at its peak in the early 1990s, but he knows what winning in this town can do. And now he'll have the chance to find out first hand.

113

UNLV coach Lon Kruger and friends pose with a donation to the American Cancer Society at last year's Coaches vs. Cancer event in Las Vegas.
Coaches vs. Cancer event set for second go-round in Vegas
UNLV BASKETBALL: Kruger takes pride in helping American Cancer Society
Friday, May 22, 2009
Lon Kruger looks at last year's Coaches vs. Cancer event in Las Vegas as just a starting point. As the second installment gets set to kick off next weekend, beginning with a Party at the Palms, he can feel the momentum gaining.

0

UNLV Rebels and fans celebrate their 76-61 defeat of BYU in the Mountain West Conference championship game Saturday, March 15, 2008 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
UNLV sued over 2008 championship game scuffles
rebels basketball: Two fans accuse university of failing to reasonably supervise Thomas & Mack Center
Thursday, May 21, 2009
Two basketball fans are suing UNLV and the Thomas & Mack Center, saying they were injured when scuffles erupted among fans after a 2008 championship game. Utah County, Utah, residents Brett Walkenhorst and Chad Walkenhorst say they were hurt after a game on March 15, 2008.

44

UNLV head coach Lon Kruger argues a call as UNLV takes on Utah at the Huntsman Center in Salt Lake City last season. Kruger on Tuesday said "there's nothing personal" about playing Kansas State -- his alma mater -- this coming season.
Rebels finalize 2009-10 non-conference hoops schedule
UNLV BASKETBALL: Contests against Louisville, Arizona and Kruger's alma mater -- Kansas State -- highlight pre-league slate
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
In 23 seasons as a college head coach, Lon Kruger has never coached on the visitor's bench in Manhattan, Kan. -- the home of his alma mater Kansas State. That won't change in the 2009-10, but for the third time in his career, he'll do battle with the Wildcats, as an intriguing matchup with K-State is a key piece of UNLV's upcoming non-conference schedule, which was released on Tuesday.

21

Email Newsletters

SMS/E-mail Alerts

Can't make it to the game but want to know the score? Our reporters on the scene will send you updates (up to four times a game) for Rebels football and basketball contests with the scores and stats you need to know.

Podcast

The Rebel Room

Never can get enough UNLV analysis and chatter? Then this is the stop for you. Each Thursday, join the Sun sports staff in The Rebel Room for your fix.

More offseason UNLV hoops tid-bits ...

Ryan Greene and Rob Miech get you up to speed on all the recent developments ... (Comment)