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June 18, 2013

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Taylor Bern

UNLV Sports Reporter

Taylor, who covers UNLV sports, is a 2010 graduate of the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. He worked for newspapers in Iowa, Kansas and Missouri before moving out to the desert, working seven months on the sports desk at the Arizona Republic before joining the Sun in November 2011. His outside passions include good books, bad coffee and the search for adequate leg room.

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Story Archive

Son of NFL legend Jerry Rice plans to transfer to UNLV football
Friday, June 14, 2013
At wide receiver for UNLV, Jerry Rice … Jr. Fans may hear that over the Sam Boyd Stadium loud speakers this fall as the son of the greatest receiver in NFL history tweeted Friday that he plans to spend his final season with the Rebels.
At least six Rebels expected to play is Desert Reign ProCity League
Newcomers Jelan Kendrick and Kendall Smith are among the Rebels slated to appear in games starting next week
Friday, June 14, 2013
Fans don’t have to wait until fall to get a look at the newest Rebels basketball players.
Rebels roundup: Basketball schedule coming into focus; teams ace APR
Thursday, June 13, 2013
This offseason has been anything but dull on Maryland Parkway. That includes a few items over the weekend and early this week. Let's get everyone caught up, starting with more news from the UNLV basketball team.
Hardship waivers an inexact science, but Olekaibe likely to get one at UNLV
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
On the surface, the NCAA’s hardship waiver was created for a student-athlete just like Kevin Olekaibe, the former Fresno State junior whose father is in Las Vegas hospice care after multiple strokes have left him unable to speak and paralyzed below the waist.
Mountain West unveils format for 11-team basketball tournament
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
The Mountain West men’s and women’s basketball tournaments will include all 11 teams after the additions (Utah State and San Jose State) plus the decisions of Boise State and San Diego State to remain in the league, the league announced Tuesday afternoon.
UNLV golf team's season ends after narrow quarterfinal defeat
Friday, May 31, 2013
The UNLV men’s golf team’s season rested on the shoulders of its best player but in the end the Rebels couldn’t keep the magic going one more day.
Rebels' golf team rides amazing shot into finals at national championships
Kurt Kitayama hit a long eagle on the final hole and the Rebels survived a four team sudden death playoff
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Kurt Kitayama holed out from more than 200 yards on his final shot, putting the UNLV men’s golf team in position for a playoff that they survived late Thursday to advance to Friday’s match play at 8:30 a.m. Las Vegas time at the NCAA Division I Championships in Atlanta.
Former UNLV guard Katin Reinhardt heading to USC
Katin Reinhardt is the second player from the 2012-13 team to transfer to the Pac-12
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Turns out Katin Reinhardt will honor his original commitment after all. Two years after giving a verbal commitment that later fell through, Reinhardt will attend USC, he told Scout.com.
Basketball strength coaches trade secrets during weekend seminar at UNLV
Thursday, May 30, 2013
Often times when college basketball players step off the court, they stop competing against one another and return to talking as friends. Sometimes they’ll discuss each other’s relative strengths and weaknesses in hopes of bettering themselves and the person with whom they’re speaking.
Reinhardt's departure creates even larger void for 2013-14 Rebels to fill
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Despite the sudden departure of Katin Reinhardt, who ranked second in shots and minutes last season, Dave Rice is content with the group he has and may keep that scholarship open for a possible midyear transfer.
Canyon Springs guard is out to prove he's learned from academic issues
Shaq Carr had to sit out the last semester of his junior season, cooling his recruitment and forcing him to refocus
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
Shaq Carr knows it’s better to be seen and not heard than the other way around. That’s what he’s striving for, because for the past semester, at least in basketball circles, he was neither.
Freshman guard Reinhardt will transfer from UNLV
Despite playing nearly 30 minutes per game last year, Katin Reinhardt is looking for more opportunities somewhere else
Monday, May 27, 2013
Maybe it’s just something in the blood. After vehemently denying transfer rumors at the end of the regular season, UNLV freshman Katin Reinhardt is looking for a new home, Rebels coach Dave Rice confirmed. Overall this will be Reinhardt’s third commitment.
UNLV golf, veteran coach ready for national championship run
The Rebels are back in nationals for the first time since 2010, are looking for repeat of 1998 title season
Monday, May 27, 2013
The Rebels’ last trip to a national championship tournament was in 2010, back when Carl Jonson and A.J. McInerney were still in high school. Now Jonson, a sophomore, and McInerney, a freshman from Coronado High, are the Rebels’ top performers heading into the tournament in Atlanta.
UNLV to face Arizona at home after deal falls apart to move football game
Rebels will play 7 home games in 2013 season at Sam Boyd Stadium
Friday, May 24, 2013
After looking into moving the game to Glendale, Ariz., the Rebels football team will open its home slate on Sept. 7 against Arizona in Las Vegas as originally scheduled, UNLV Athletic Director Jim Livengood announced in a statement Friday.
Local prep with UNLV offer poised to have a big summer
Ray Smith, a class of 2015 forward, has offers from three schools with many more expected as he hits the summer circuit
Friday, May 24, 2013
Ray Smith could tell there was more inside himself if he just worked a little harder to find it.
Rebel gets up-close look at the teams that may select him in June's NBA Draft
Anthony Bennett attended the NBA Draft lottery, and now we have a better idea where the big man and Gorman forward Shabazz Muhammad may get drafted
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
The next time he’s interviewed on national TV, Anthony Bennett will likely be without an arm sling, the better to pick up and put on the official NBA Draft hat of the team that selects him June 27 in New York City.
Football ticket sales at the top of UNLV interim athletic director's priorities
Tina Kunzer-Murphy is charged with keeping the department headed on the right course until a full-time hire comes in this fall
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
The UNLV interim athletic director will be expected to do everything within their power to improve football ticket sales, maintain good relations and be helpful to every coaching staff, then step out of the way when the full-time hire comes in. That all sounds just fine to Tina Kunzer-Murphy, whom the university announced Monday would fill the position effective July 1.
UNLV announces former bowl director as interim athletic director
Monday, May 20, 2013
Tina Kunzer-Murphy will be the UNLV interim athletic director effective July 1, 2013, UNLV President Neal Smatresk announced Monday.
51s offense carries them to 2nd straight victory in Omaha
Saturday, May 18, 2013
Andrew Brown drove in four runs and scored three of his own to help the Las Vegas 51s run away with a second straight victory in Omaha, Neb.
Sunday's commencement caps nice run of success for athletics' academics
Despite heavy turnover among the academic support staff, the Rebels have posted stellar GPA and progress numbers lately
Friday, May 17, 2013
At UNLV athletic department meetings, when head coaches from all of the sports would gather with administrators to discuss the topic of the day, Rebels Athletic Director Jim Livengood gave that pole position to academics.
Interim AD announcement coming soon; full-time likely in the fall
UNLV President Neal Smatresk said he's close to naming an interim athletic director to fill in after Jim Livengood retires June 30
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
The Rebels could announce their interim athletic director as soon as next week, UNLV President Neal Smatresk said Wednesday. Meanwhile, the full-time replacement is looking like a decision for the fall.
Mountain West partners with ROOT Sports for new regional TV deal
ROOT Sports Rocky Mountain will produce about 35 live league games this year. The channel is available locally on DirecTV but not Cox Communications
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
UNLV fans may miss out on some televised games this season, depending on their cable provider.
Rebels basketball adds class of 2015 guard to list of scholarship offers
Three locals are among the five preps who currently hold offers from UNLV
Friday, May 10, 2013
If everyone stayed put, the UNLV basketball coaching staff would be in for a very relaxing summer. If only things were that simple. A new scholarship offer shows the staff is already working ahead, plus there’s a clue about possible changes coming after next season.
Battle for the Cannon, 2 other UNLV games to appear on ESPN networks
The Oct. 26 game at UNR and a pair of November home games could appear on ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU or ESPN3
Thursday, May 9, 2013
The Battle for the Fremont Cannon and two other UNLV games will appear on ESPN networks this fall, the Mountain West announced Thursday afternoon.
Take 5: The most important tasks facing UNLV's next athletic director
Overseeing the completion of two major projects and continuing the success in fundraising are keys for Jim Livengood's replacement
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Speculation behind UNLV Athletic Director Jim Livengood’s sudden departure won’t likely die down soon. The official line is he’s retiring, though many suspect there may have been a push out that door.
UNLV could receive about $1 million for moving Arizona football game
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
UNLV may be in for a $1 million payday for moving its home opener, according to Rebels Athletics Director Jim Livengood. The Sept. 7 game is scheduled to open the UNLV football team’s home slate this season.
Jim Livengood suddenly retires from his post at the helm of UNLV athletics
Livengood, 68, will step away on June 30 after three and a half years with the Rebels
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
He’s retiring, but Jim Livengood isn’t tired. That was the message from the UNLV athletic director who on Wednesday announced he would step away after three and a half years with the university. His decision is effective June 30.
UNLV scholarship program strives to give personal touch to donors
Wednesday, May 8, 2013
Derek Ernst’s path to his first career PGA victory was a memorable one. And watching back in Las Vegas, two Rebels boosters felt a special connection to it.
UNLV's Moser says he will transfer to Oregon
The junior forward and former leading scorer thanks UNLV for changing his life but opts to go closer to home
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Mike Moser will transfer to Oregon, the junior forward told the Sun Tuesday afternoon. The Portland, Ore., native was considering Oregon, Washington and Gonzaga. He called all three of those coaches to tell them the news.
Anthony Bennett needs shoulder surgery; draft stock not expected to slide
Tuesday, May 7, 2013
Anthony Bennett will miss the NBA Summer League because of shoulder surgery but the injury is not expected to affect his status as a top 10 draft pick. Bennett’s agent, Jeff Schwartz, confirmed a report to ESPN’s Chad Ford that Bennett will get surgery Wednesday for a torn rotator cuff in his left shoulder. He’ll be out four months, forcing him to miss predraft workouts and the NBA Summer League. Bennett likely would have played those Summer League games on UNLV’s campus, though some teams also compete in Orlando, Fla.

UNLV football season opener at Minnesota will air on the Big Ten Network
Monday, May 6, 2013
The UNLV football season opener at Minnesota will air on the Big Ten Network, it was announced Monday afternoon.
UNLV headlines the field at 2013 Las Vegas Classic
The Rebels last holiday tournament at Orleans Arena ended with a victory against North Carolina. This year's is Dec. 22-23
Friday, May 3, 2013
UNLV basketball knows it’s staying home for the Christmas holiday, and now it’s just waiting to see exactly who it will play. The Rebels headline the field for the 13th annual Continental Tire Las Vegas Classic, which will be played Dec. 22-23 at Orleans Arena.
UNLV in discussions about moving football home opener to Arizona
The Rebels approached the Wildcats about moving the Sept. 7 game to Glendale, Ariz. The deal could be done by early next week
Friday, May 3, 2013
UNLV football’s home opener on Sept. 7 against Arizona may move from Sam Boyd Stadium to University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., UNLV Athletic Director Jim Livengood confirmed late Thursday night.
LDS missionary eager to begin UNLV basketball career
2011 signee Dantley Walker is nearing the end of his two years in the Washington area and the start of a different type of work
Friday, May 3, 2013
Two years removed from his commitment to UNLV, Dantley Walker today seems almost as much a rumor as a member of the Rebels’ incoming recruiting class. The others in that five-player haul are more tangible.
Proposed Thomas & Mack Center upgrades could cost $60 million
UNLV is awaiting legislative action that would set in motion renovations to the 30-year-old arena
Thursday, May 2, 2013
This year, when the Thomas & Mack Center turns 30 years old, UNLV officials know exactly what present they want to get the building that brings more than $200 million annually to the local economy, according to a 2012 economic impact report. The university has proposed a $60 million renovation plan to remodel or replace many fixtures that make up the arena.
Tarkanian statue will feature legendary coach with towel in his mouth
An open seat next to the bronze statue will make it easy for fans to take pictures on the way into games
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
A proposed statue of Jerry Tarkanian will show the legendary UNLV coach sitting on chair, towel in mouth, next to an open seat, it was revealed Wednesday. UNLV held a press conference at the Richard Tam Alumni Center on campus to announce details of the Jerry Tarkanian Legacy Project. The Sun reported last week that it would include a statue of the Rebels’ former coach, who was recently inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.
First initial will differentiate three Smiths on back of UNLV jerseys
Monday, April 29, 2013
D. Smith. K. Smith. R. Smith. That’s what the back of the UNLV jerseys will look like for Rebels DeVille Smith, Kendall Smith and Roscoe Smith this season, coach Dave Rice said.
Rebels home opener against Arizona will air on CBS Sports Network
UNLV will host the Wildcats on Saturday, Sept. 7, at 7:30 p.m.
Friday, April 26, 2013
The UNLV football home opener against Arizona on Saturday, Sept. 7, will be at 7:30 p.m. on CBS Sports Network, it was announced Friday morning.
Sources: UNLV planning Jerry Tarkanian statue
The university will hold a press conference Wednesday to reveal plans for a project honoring the UNLV legend
Thursday, April 25, 2013
UNLV will hold a press conference next Wednesday to announce plans to construct a statue of former basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian outside of the Thomas & Mack Center, according to multiple sources.
6 questions with ... UNLV tennis star Aleksandra Josifoska
A junior with a 16-3 record, Josifoska leads the Rebels into this weekend's Mountain West Tournament with their sights on the top prize
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Aleksandra Josifoska’s passport is probably better than yours, and in a lot of cases it’s not even close.
NFL Draft expected to be a quiet weekend for area players
The list of players with local ties who could hear their names called may not go more than two deep
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Just as the 2013 NFL Draft lacks the regular buildup because of the absence of marquee quarterbacks, it doesn’t appear like it will be an eventful weekend for Las Vegas related NFL hopefuls.
UNLV football game at Air Force to be televised on ESPNU
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
UNLV's football game at Air Force on Thursday, Nov. 21, will be on ESPNU, it was announced Tuesday afternoon. The Mountain West released the first seven televised games as part of its deal with the ESPN networks.
UNLV football notebook: Rebels entering crucial improvement phase
Friday, April 19, 2013
The end of spring football practice is more important for what comes after it than what was left behind. The work completed was crucial but a lot of it will be touched on again when fall practice commences.
20 questions with ... UNLV tennis player Ace Matias
The sophomore is the Rebels' top player, ranking near the top 120 in the country. UNLV plays Fresno State at home this Saturday at noon
Thursday, April 18, 2013
UNLV sophomore Ace Matias has the name, the genes and the determination to be a great tennis player. Now if he could just get his band, Bud Light Weekend, off the ground.
Players sign letters of intent, officially completing UNLV's 2013 recruiting class
Kendall Smith and DeVille Smith are officially the two newest Rebels. They will both compete right away for the starting point guard spot
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
UNLV basketball received two signed national letters of intent Wednesday, officially moving the Rebels closer to filling out the roster for the 2013-14 season. It also moves the team closer to an all-Smith lineup.
Coachella Week: The xx equals makeout music on stage
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
After a rain-shortened show at Cosmo in October, The xx happily returned to Las Vegas on April 16.
Carlos Lopez-Sosa out to finish what he started with UNLV
He'll be a fifth-year senior next year, electing to stay at UNLV instead of transferring to another Division-I school
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Dave Rice went around the room, from player to player, asking each one if he was completely committed to the 2013-14 UNLV basketball season. When the coach came to Carlos Lopez-Sosa, whose minutes have gone down each season at UNLV, the junior forward didn’t have an answer. He was fielding interest from a few schools across the country and didn’t want to commit to something that he may abandon a week later.
Hutson returns to SDSU, leaving vacancy on UNLV coaching staff
UNLV assistant says it was "just time" for change that sends him back to the Rebels' Mountain West rival
Monday, April 15, 2013
Justin Hutson is an Aztec. Again. San Diego State coach Steve Fisher officially announced Hutson’s return Monday afternoon, a few days after news leaked that the UNLV associate head coach would return to his previous position on the Aztec coaching staff.
Rebels end spring practice happy with what they accomplished
Running back Adonis Smith was a bright spot in the team's Spring Showcase on Friday, the final event before the team breaks for summer
Saturday, April 13, 2013
Deprived of any game action as he sat out a year following his transfer from Northwestern, junior running back Adonis Smith felt nervous heading into Friday’s Spring Showcase.
Rice expects UNLV assistant to head back to Mountain West rival
Justin Hutson is reportedly close to returning to his old position at San Diego State
Friday, April 12, 2013
UNLV associate head coach Justin Hutson is likely heading back to San Diego State, according to UNLV coach Dave Rice.

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