COACHING STAFF

THE HILL FILE Hometown: Mount Vernon, N.Y. High School: Mount Vernon, 1983, Mount Vernon, N.Y. Education: Wichita State, B.S., 1988 Coaching Exp.: Asst. Coach, UNLV, 2004-pres. Asst./Assoc. Coach, Texas A&M, 1998-04 Asst. Coach, East Carolina, 1994-98 Asst. Coach, Southeast Mo. St., 1992-94 Asst. Coach, South Alabama, 1990-92 Asst. Coach, Wichita East HS, 1989-90 Playing Exp.: Professional in Germany, 1988-89 Wichita State, 1985-88 San Jacinto Junior College, 1983-85 Mount Vernon High School, 1980-83

LEW HILL ASSISTANT COACH is in his first year as assistant coach at UNLV. Hill came to UNLV from Texas A&M where he was an assistant coach from 1998-2003 and served as the program's associate head coach last season. Prior to his time with the Aggies, Hill spent four sea- sons as an assistant coach at East Carolina and two years as an assis- tant at Southeast Missouri State (1992-94). Hill began his coaching career at Wichita (Kan.) East High School in 1988-89, then moved into the collegiate ranks as a part-time assistant at South Alabama from 1990-92. As a player, Hill was the starting guard for San Jacinto (Texas) Junior College in 1984, helping the team to the junior college national championship and earning JUCO All-America honors. He went on to earn All-Missouri Valley Conference honors as a senior at Wichita State, leading the Shockers to the NCAA Tournament. The Mount Vernon, N.Y., native was an all- state performer at Mount Vernon High School. After graduating from Wichita State in 1988 with a bache- lor's degree in criminal jus- tice, he played profession- ally in Germany for one season before beginning his coaching career. Hill has three daugh- ters: Sierra, Erica and Asya.

50 COACHING STAFF

THE MENZIES FILE Born: Oct. 15, 1961 Hometown: Los Angeles, Calif. High School: Hamilton, 1979, Los Angeles, Calif. Education: UCLA, B.A, 1987 Cal State Sacramento, M.A, 2003 Coaching Exp.: Asst. Coach, UNLV, 2004-pres. Asst. Coach, USC, 2003-04 Asst. Coach, San Diego State, 1999-03 Asst./Assoc. Coach, Santa Monica City College, 1997-99, 95-96, 91-94 Asst. Coach, Cal State Sacramento, 1996-97 Head Coach, Santa Monica CC, 1994-95 Asst. Coach, Hamilton High School, 1982-90

MARVIN MENZIES ASSISTANT COACH Marvin Menzies is in his first year as assistant coach at UNLV. States Conference Menzies comes to Las Vegas after spending one year as an assis- title, earning confer- tant coach with the USC men's basketball program. Previously, he was ence coach of the an assistant coach at San Diego State. year honors. Menzies spent four years (1999-03) with the Aztecs, where he In between his helped the program reach the postseason in back-to-back years (2002- stints at Santa 03) for the first time since 1975-76. Monica, Menzies As the head recruiter at San Diego State, Menzies signed nation- served as an assis- ally ranked recruiting classes in 2001 (Top 25) and 2000 (Top 40). He tant coach at Cal signed the program's first-ever McDonald's All-American and also State Sacramento in signed former Aztec , who was taken by the San Antonio 1996-97. There, he Spurs in the 2002 NBA . served under cur- Prior to coaching at San Diego State, Menzies was at Santa rent San Antonio Monica (Calif.) City College. He was an assistant coach and associate Spurs assistant Don head coach from 1991-94, Newman as the 1995-96 and 1997-99. He Hornets' transitioned from Division II to Division I. served as the program's head Menzies, 43, began his coaching career at his prep alma mater, coach in 1994-95. Overall, Hamilton High School in Los Angeles, Calif., where he served as an Santa Monica City College assistant coach for eight years. was 181-46 with Menzies on The native Californian was a three-sport letterman at Hamilton. He the staff while sending 38 went on to earn an economics degree from UCLA (1987) and earned a players on to NCAA schools master's degree in education from Cal State Sacramento. during that period. Menzies and his wife, Tammy, live in Henderson with their daugh- Among the highlights of ter Andreanna, their son Andre and their niece Aja. Menzies' tenure at Santa Monica was a school-record 27-game winning streak and a 32-2 finish in 1996, which marked a school record for wins. Menzies recruited the top three scorers in the pro- gram's history. In 1994-95, he guided the Corsairs to a 24-8 record and the Western

51 COACHING STAFF

THE SHEPHERD FILE Born: June 21, 1966 Hometown: Burlingame, Kan. High School: Burlingame, 1984, Burlingame, Kan. Education: Kansas State, B.S., 1992 Coaching Exp.: Dir. of Basketball Oper., UNLV, 2004-pres. Asst. Coach, Northern Illinois, 2001-04 Scout, , 2000-01 Asst. Coach, Tulsa W. Basketball, 1999-00 Asst. Coach, Illinois, 1996-99 Volunteer/Asst. Coach, Florida, 1990-96

MIKE SHEPHERD DIRECTOR OF BASKETBALL OPERATIONS Mike Shepherd is in his first year as director of basketball opera- tions, as it related to prac- tions at UNLV. tice, game and scouting Shepherd came to Las Vegas from Northern Illinois where he spent films. the past three seasons as an assistant coach. Prior to joining the In 1999-00, Shepherd Huskies, Shepherd was a scout for UNLV Head Coach 's joined the Tulsa women's Atlanta Hawks. basketball program. The Shepherd was a student manager at Kansas State when Kruger program had a tremendous was the head coach and started his coaching career in 1990 as a vol- turnaround while Shepherd unteer assistant at Florida, also under Kruger. He spent a total of six was there as it recorded the seasons in Gainesville as a volunteer and an assistant coach. His time second most wins in school at Florida was highlighted by the 1993-94 season that saw the Gators history going 14-15. go 29-8 and make a NCAA Final Four appearance. That team also cap- A native of Burlingame, tured the Southeastern Conference East Division title. Kan., Shepherd, 38, won 10 In the spring of 1996, Shepherd followed Kruger to Illinois where he varsity letters in three sports served as an assistant at Burlingame High School. coach. Illinois produced He lettered in football (4), 22-10 and 23-10 seasons, basketball (4) and track (2). won berths in the NCAA He attended Allen County Tournament and finished in Community College in Iola, the Associated Press Top Kan., and received a bache- 25 in 1996-97 and 1997-98 lor of science degree in at No. 19 and No. 22, social sciences from Kansas respectively. State in 1992. At Illinois his responsi- Shepherd was married bilities included on-the- to the former Allison Wade floor coaching, scouting, in May. recruiting and administer- ing the Fighting Illini sum- mer basketball camps. At Florida, Shepherd also coordinated video opera-

52 RETIRED PLAYER JERSEYS

21 4 32 SIDNEY GREEN LARRY JOHNSON STACEY AUGMON Holding the distinction of being Regarded by many as the great- Joining L.J. in having his No. 32 the first Runnin’ Rebel to be so est UNLV basketball player ever, raised to the rafters the same honored, Sidney Green (1979- Larry Johnson (1989-91) finally evening in 1995, Stacey Augmon 83) saw his No. 21 taken out of returned home to the Thomas & (1987-91) may be best known for circulation at a ceremony on Mack to have his famous helping UNLV to its first NCAA Jan. 3, 1994. Green, who went No. 4 retired in an emotional cer- Championship in 1990. Augmon on to play for seven NBA emony on Dec. 18, 1995. The is one of only four Runnin’ Rebels teams, remains the school’s 1991 John Wooden Award win- to score more than 2,000 career second all-time leading scorer ner went on to become the NBA’s points and is still dazzling defens- and is a member of the 1994 1991-92 Rookie of the Year and es in the NBA. Augmon is a mem- class inducted into the UNLV is a member of the 2002 class ber of the 2002 class inducted Athletic Hall of Fame. inducted into the UNLV Athletic into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Hall of Fame. Fame.

25 40 RICKY SOBERS “Gondo,” a 1977 honorable men- Becoming the first Runnin’ tion All-American, played in a Rebel to be selected in the Runnin’ Rebel uniform for four first round of the NBA Draft years (1973-77) and had his jer- (16th pick by Phoenix in sey retired on Dec. 27, 1997. He 1975), Ricky Sobers had his ranks 15th on UNLV’s all-time No. 40 retired during a half- scoring list with 1,311 points. He time ceremony on Feb. 21, was a 1977 second round draft 2004. Sobers, who played at pick of the NBA’s UNLV from 1973-75, was the and has been an analyst for first All-American in Runnin’ Runnin’ Rebel broadcasts since Rebel history. He is also a 1992. Gondrezick was inducted member of the 1987 class 23 into the UNLV Athletic Hall of inducted into the UNLV Fame in 1987. Athletic Hall of Fame. Joining “Gondo” in having his No. 23 raised to the rafters the same evening in 1997, Theus was a 1978 second-team All- American. He played three years (1975-78) and ranks 21st on UNLV’s all-time scoring list with 1,177 points. He was a 1978 first round draft pick (ninth overall) of the , playing 13 seasons in the NBA and scoring 19,015 career points. Theus was inducted into the UNLV Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.

53 RUNNIN’ REBELS IN THE NBA

“NBA FIRST ROUND DRAFT CLUB” 13 Runnin’ Rebels have been drafted in the NBA’s first round since 1975

RICKY SOBERS – 1975 REGGIE THEUS – 1978 SIDNEY GREEN – 1983 ANTHONY JONES – 1986 No. 16 pick by No. 9 pick by Chicago Bulls No. 5 pick by Chicago Bulls No. 21 pick by Washington Bullets (, Chicago, Washington, ) (Sacramento, Atlanta, Orlando, New (New York, Detroit, Orlando, San (Dallas) Jersey, Denver) Antonio, Charlotte, Philadelphia)

ARMON GILLIAM – 1987 LARRY JOHNSON - 1991 STACEY AUGMON – 1991 GREG ANTHONY – 1991 No. 2 pick by Phoenix Suns No. 1 pick by No. 9 pick by Atlanta Hawks No. 12 pick by New York Knicks (Charlotte, Philadelphia, New Jersey, (New York) (Detroit, Portland, Charlotte/ (Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, Milwaukee, ) New Orleans, Orlando) Milwaukee, Chicago)

ELMORE SPENCER - 1992 J.R. RIDER – 1993 KEON CLARK – 1998 No. 25 pick by No. 5 pick by No. 13 pick by (Denver, Portland) (Portland, Atlanta, L.A. Lakers, Denver) (Denver, Toronto, Sacramento, Utah)

SHAWN MARION – 1999 No. 9 pick by Phoenix Suns

MARCUS BANKS – 2003 No. 13 pick by (Boston)

54 RUNNIN’ REBELS IN THE NBA

UNLV PLAYERS IN THE DRAFT YEAR PLAYER ROUND TEAM 1967 Elburt Miller 7th 1968 John Q. Trapp 2nd Houston Rockets Elburt Miller 8th Jerry Chandler 11th 1970 Bruce Chapman 9th Bruce Chapman 9th Utah Stars Lou Small 9th Golden State Warriors 1971 Odis Allison 5th Golden State Warriors 1974 Bob Florence 8th Bob Florence 8th 1975 Ricky Sobers 1st (No. 16 pick) Phoenix Suns 1976 Boyd Batts 7th New York Knicks 1977 Glen Gondrezick 2nd New York Knicks Larry Moffett 2nd Houston Rockets 2nd Kansas City Kings Robert Smith 3rd Sam Smith 3rd Atlanta Hawks Lewis Brown 4th Milwaukee Bucks 1978 Reggie Theus 1st (No. 9 pick) Chicago Bulls Jackie Robinson 4th Houston Rockets Brent Vroman 4th Earl Evans 6th Detroit Pistons Tony Smith 7th was a 2003 NBA Draft Lottery Selection 1979 Flintie Williams 6th Detroit Pistons when he was taken 13th overall by the Memphis Tony Smith 6th New Jersey Nets Grizzlies. He was traded later during draft day to the Eddie McLeod 9th . Banks became the 13th player in UNLV history to be selected in the first round. 1982 Michael Burns 8th Chicago Bulls 1983 Sidney Green 1st (No. 5 pick) Chicago Bulls Larry Anderson 3rd Cleveland Cavaliers 1984 Jeff Collins 4th Phoenix Suns Danny Tarkanian 8th San Antonio Spurs Eric Booker 8th Paul Brozovich 8th Golden State Warriors 1985 Richie Adams 4th Washington Bullets Ed Catchings 7th Frank James 7th Detroit Pistons 1986 Anthony Jones 1st (No. 21 pick) Washington Bullets John Flowers 6th 1987 Armon Gilliam 1st (No. 2 pick) Phoenix Suns 2nd Detroit Pistons Gary Graham 6th Indiana Pacers 1988 Gerald Paddio 3rd Boston Celtics 1991 Larry Johnson 1st (No. 1 pick) Charlotte Hornets Stacey Augmon 1st (No. 9 pick) Atlanta Hawks Greg Anthony 1st (No. 12 pick) New York Knicks George Ackles 2nd (No. 29 pick) 1992 Elmore Spencer 1st (No. 25 pick) Los Angeles Clippers 1993 J.R. Rider 1st (No. 5 pick) Minnesota Timberwolves was the ninth overall pick by the 1998 Keon Clark 1st (No. 13 pick) Orlando Magic Phoenix Suns in the 1999 NBA Draft in 1999 Shawn Marion 1st (No. 9 pick) Phoenix Suns Washington, D.C. He is pictured with NBA Commissioner David Stern moments after his 2003 Marcus Banks 1st (No. 13 pick) Memphis Grizzlies draft selection.

55 RUNNIN’ REBELS IN THE NBA

ACTIVE RUNNIN’ REBELS Player Current Team* Drafted By Draft Position Year IN THE NBA Stacey Augmon Orlando Magic Atlanta No. 9, 1st Rnd 1991 Marcus Banks Boston Celtics Memphis No. 13, 1st Rnd 2003 Three former Runnin’ Rebels are on active rosters in the NBA and all three were first-round Shawn Marion Phoenix Suns Phoenix No. 9, 1st Rnd 1999 selections when they were drafted. * as of October 2004 The Runnin’ Rebels that are currently NBA players are Stacey Augmon (Orlando Magic), Marcus Banks (Boston Celtics), and Shawn Marion (Phoenix Suns).

AUGMON BANKS

MARION Shawn Marion played for Team USA this past summer in the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, .

56 ALL-MILLENNIUM TEAM

In November of 1999, with a new millennium quickly approaching, 1990 and 1991. The final player was “Fearless” Freddie the UNLV athletics department decided to let its fans vote on their favorite Banks, the three-point sharpshooter who played for his own Final Four Runnin’ Rebel greats of the 20th century. team during his career from 1983-87. UNLV Athletics teamed up with the FANSonly Network (now CSTV’s In March 2000, when the team was announced, three of the five collegesports.com) and PacifiCare/Secure Horizons of Nevada to give players were playing in the NBA: Johnson for the New York Knicks and UNLV fans the opportunity to vote for the PacifiCare Runnin’ Rebel All- Augmon and Anthony for the . Two members, Millennium Team. Voting primarily took place on UNLV’s official athletic Anthony and Banks, are from Las Vegas. website UNLVRebels.com. The second team also included three NBA players at the time – The election saw the best of the basketball bunch pared down to the center Keon Clark (Denver Nuggets), power forward Armon Gilliam ultimate Runnin’ Rebel squad. Five players, one from each position, were (Utah Jazz) and J.R. Rider (Atlanta Hawks). chosen from the 36 nominees provided, along with any write-in candi- Reggie Theus and shooting guard Anderson Hunt rounded out the dates. group. Not surprisingly, four members of the team were part of UNLV’s 1990 Other top vote-getters included - in alphabetical order - David NCAA Champion squad. Butler, Sidney Green, Shawn Marion, Eddie Owens, Sam Smith, Former John Wooden Elmore Spencer and Mark Wade. Award winner Larry Johnson led all voting and was tabbed to the PACIFICARE RUNNIN’ REBEL power forward spot. He ALL-MILLENNIUM TEAM was joined by center George Ackles, small for- POSITION PLAYER UNLV CAREER ward Stacey Augmon and Center George Ackles 1988-91 point guard Greg Anthony Power Forward Larry Johnson 1989-91 from the group that made Small Forward Stacey Augmon 1987-91 two Final Four runs in Point Guard Greg Anthony 1988-91 Shooting Guard Freddie Banks 1983-87

ACKLES ANTHONY

AUGMON

BANKS JOHNSON

57 ROSTERS

Back Row (L to R): Student Manager Chris Monette, Joel Anthony, Dustin Villepigue, René Rougeau, Asst. Coach Lew Hill, Asst. Coach Steve Henson, Asst. Coach Marvin Menzies, Head Coach Lon Kruger, Dir. of Bask. Oper. Mike Shepherd, Video Coordinator Mike Peck, Romel Beck, Odartey Blankson, Louis Amundson, Student Manager Dan Tacheny. Front Row (L to R): Student Manager Adam Schwartz, Athletic Trainer Dave Tomchek, , Michael Umeh, Ricky Morgan, Colin Darfour, Jerel Blassingame, John Winston, Andy Hannan, Wilbur Williams, Robert Berkey, Asst. Coord./Strength & Conditioning Jason Kabo, Student Manager Scott Chinarian, Student Manager Brian Boe. 2004-05 UNLV RUNNIN’ REBEL ROSTER NUMERICAL No. Name Pos. Ht. Wt. Cl. Exp. Hometown/Previous School ROSTER PRONOUNCED 22 Louis Amundson F 6-9 230 Jr. 2L Boulder, Colo./Monarch HS 0 Odartey Blankson oh-DAR-tay 30 Joel Anthony C 6-9 240 Jr. JC Montreal, Canada/Pensacola JC 1 Romel Beck ruh-MEL 1 Romel Beck G/F 6-7 185 Sr. 1L Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./L.A. City Coll. 3 Michael Umeh OOH-may 42 Robert Berkey G 6-4 190 Jr. JC Las Vegas, Nev./Barstow JC 5 Curtis Terry 10 Jerel Blassingame juh-RELL BLASS-in-game 0 Odartey Blankson F 6-7 220 Sr. 1L Chicago, Ill./Marquette 11 Ricky Morgan 10 Jerel Blassingame G 5-10 170 Sr. 1L Brooklyn, N.Y./L.A. City College 12 Andy Hannan HANN-in 31 Colin Darfour G 6-0 180 Sr. 1L Las Vegas, Nev./Antelope Valley College 15 Wilbur Williams 12 Andy Hannan G/F 6-6 210 Sr. 1L Minneapolis, Minn./MCTC 22 Louis Amundson AH-muhnd-son 24 René Rougeau reh-NAY roo-JOE 11 Ricky Morgan G 6-0 190 Jr. JC Pontiac, Mich./Schoolcraft College 30 Joel Anthony JOE-el 24 René Rougeau G 6-5 180 Fr. HS Rancho Cucamonga, Calif./Etiwanda HS 31 Colin Darfour CALL-in DAR-for 5 Curtis Terry G/F 6-5 200 Fr. HS University Place, Wash./Curtis HS 33 John Winston 3 Michael Umeh G 6-2 185 So. 1L Houston, Texas/Hightower HS 41 Dustin Villepigue VILL-uh-payg 42 Robert Berkey BERK-ee 41 Dustin Villepigue F 6-9 235 Jr. JC Simi Valley, Calif./Dixie State College 15 Wilbur Williams F 6-3 190 Jr. JC Bronx, N.Y./L.A. City Colllege BY STATES 33 John Winston G 6-3 205 So. 1L San Francisco, Calif./Hercules HS CALIFORNIA (4) NEVADA (2) Beck Berkey Head Coach: Lon Kruger (Kansas State ’75; 1st season) Rougeau Darfour Villepigue NEW YORK (2) Assistants: Steve Henson (Kansas State ’90; 1st season) Winston Lew Hill (Wichita State ’88; 1st season) Blassingame COLORADO (1) Williams Marvin Menzies (UCLA ’87; 1st season) Amundson TEXAS (1) Director of Basketball Operations: Mike Shepherd (Kansas State ’92; 1st season) ILLINOIS (1) Umeh Blankson WASHINGTON (1) SQUAD BREAKDOWN MICHIGAN (1) Terry Letterwinners Returning (8): Amundson, Beck, Blankson, Blassingame, Darfour, Hannan, Umeh, Winston Morgan Letterwinners Lost (4): Edwards, Hunter, Osborne, Peters CANADA (1) Starters Returning (3): Beck, Blankson, Blassingame MINNESOTA (1) Anthony Hannan Starters Lost (2): Edwards, Hunter Seniors (5): Beck, Blankson, Blassingame, Darfour, Hannan Juniors (6): Amundson, Anthony, Berkey, Morgan, Villepigue, Williams BY HEIGHT Sophomores (2): Umeh, Winston 5-10: Blassingame 6-5 Rougeau, Terry Freshmen (2): Rougeau, Terry 6-0: Darfour, Morgan 6-6: Hannan Guards (10): Beck, Berkey, Blassingame, Darfour, Hannan, Morgan, Rougeau, Terry, Umeh, Winston 6-2: Umeh 6-7: Beck, Blankson Forwards (7): Amundson, Beck, Blankson, Hannan, Terry, Villepigue, Williams 6-3: Williams, Winston 6-9: Amundson, Anthony, Centers (1): Anthony 6-4 Berkey Villepigue

58 ROSTERS

22 30 1420 LOUIS AMUNDSON JOEL ANTHONY ROMEL BECK ROBERT BERKEY ODARTEY BLANKSON Forward, 6-9, 230 Center, 6-9, 240 Guard/Forward, 6-7, 185 Guard, 6-4, 190 Forward, 6-7, 220 Jr., Boulder, Colo. Jr., Montreal, Canada Sr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. Jr., Las Vegas, Nev. Sr., Chicaco, Ill.

10 31 12 11 24 JEREL BLASSINGAME COLIN DARFOUR ANDY HANNAN RICKY MORGAN RENÉ ROUGEAU Guard, 5-10, 170 Guard, 6-0, 180 Guard/Forward, 6-6, 210 Guard, 6-0, 190 Guard, 6-5, 180 Sr., Brooklyn, N.Y. Sr., Las Vegas, Nev. Sr., Minneapolis, Minn. Jr., Pontiac, Mich. Fr., Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.

5 3 41 15 33 CURTIS TERRY MICHAEL UMEH DUSTIN VILLEPIGUE WILBUR WILLIAMS JOHN WINSTON Guard/Forward, 6-5, 200 Guard, 6-2, 185 Forward, 6-9, 235 Forward, 6-3, 190 Guard, 6-3, 205 Fr., University Place, Wash. So., Houston, Texas Jr., Simi Valley, Calif. Jr., Bronx, N.Y. So., San Francisco, Calif.

LON KRUGER STEVE HENSON LEW HILL MARVIN MENZIES MIKE SHEPHERD Head Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Assistant Coach Dir. of Basketball Oper. 1st Season 1st Season 1st Season 1st Season 1st Season

59 SEASON OUTLOOK

KRUGER ERA AT UNLV IS UNDERWAY When UNLV announced the hiring of its realizing as close to our potential as possible and has tremendous experience," Kruger new men's basketball head coach back in both individually and as a group," says says. "He has the ability to score inside and March, Lon Kruger mentioned three things Kruger. "For this year's group the expecta- outside and is a terrific rebounder. He just that excited him most about the opportunity tions should be to play in the postseason and knows how to play the game." that awaited in Las Vegas guiding the advance in the NCAA Tournament. Of Blankson finished third in the nation in Runnin' Rebels. course, that is the goal of most teams in the double-doubles last year with at least 10 Kruger first talked about the people that fall, but I don't think our club is any different. points and 10 rebounds in the same game 19 he had met at the university before his hire. "I like the makeup of our times, which is now the MWC record for most Second, he noted Las Vegas as somewhere team and that's a realistic double-doubles in a season. Additionally, that he and his family wanted to live. Last, but goal we should have." Blankson finished ninth in the country in certainly not least, he talked about being at a rebounds per game. program that had a chance to win, something RETURNING Blassingame, a 5-10 guard, Kruger has done most everywhere he has became arguably the top floor been. PLAYERS general in the conference and It is the prospect of winning and return- earned third team all-confer- ing the program to national prominence that The team's makeup ence honors after leading the excites Runnin' Rebel fans the most about begins with the three return- league in assists with 6.6 per Kruger's hiring - but just as long as the “run- ing starters in seniors Odartey game. nin'” remains with the Rebels. Blankson, Jerel Blassingame "I think Jerel is one of Shortly after he was hired, one of the and Romel Beck. Those three the premier point guards in most common questions Kruger received players accounted for 70 percent of the country," says Kruger. from fans was if his style of play would be the last season's starting five's total "He can push the ball up up-tempo brand of basketball that made point output and will be looked the floor with the best of UNLV famous across the globe. With a spring upon to lead the team on and off them and his ability to make 3- and summer of coaching his new players the court this season. pointers keeps the defenders under his belt, he has had a chance to see Also returning from last honest. He likes to take the his personnel's strengths and fans are year's 2003-04 squad that fin- Odartey Blankson big shots in late-game situa- delighted by Kruger's answer with regard to ished with an 18-13 overall tions, which is a great quality style of play. record and a fourth-place Mountain West for your point guard to have." "This team will be most effective in the Conference finish at 7-7 are seniors Andy Blassingame was fourth on UNLV's open floor by applying defensive pres- Hannan and Colin Darfour, junior Louis squad in scoring last year with 11.2 ppg and sure, which will create some offense Amundson and sophomores Michael led the Runnin' Rebels with a 3-point shoot- and really keep the pressure on the Umeh and John Winston. ing percentage of over 40 percent. He fin- opponent," Kruger says. "We Last year's team was invited to ished the 2003-04 campaign in strong fash- plan to attack the rim and its third consecutive National ion scoring in double figures in nine of the push the ball after makes Invitation Tournament and played team's last 10 games and turned in all four of and misses and every in its third straight MWC his double-doubles in points and assists dur- opportunity, yet make Championship game. UNLV led ing the final six games of the regular season. good decisions and take the MWC in scoring last year Beck, a 6-7 guard/forward, also earned good shots each time with 74.0 points per game praise from the conference by being honor- down the floor. and returns more than 66 able mention All-MWC. He finished eighth in "Our fans will enjoy percent of its scoring from the league in scoring with 14.2 ppg and shot this team and I think they 2003-04 heading into this 48.7 percent from the field last season. Beck will like our activity on the season. was also strong from behind the 3-point line, defensive end as well. We Blankson, a 6-7 forward, was finishing fourth in the conference in made 3- named first team All-MWC last sea- hope to get down the floor and Lon Kruger pointers. score quickly." son after leading the league in "Romel is a terrific scorer," Kruger says. At the beginning of each season, every rebounding with 10.2 per game and coming "He can run the floor and just make shots. He coach is asked about the goals for their in third in the scoring race with a team-lead- has good length and can score inside as well, teams for the upcoming year and Kruger's ing 17.6 ppg. Blankson tested the NBA Draft which creates mismatches in his favor. He have stayed consistent throughout the years. waters this past summer, but decided to adds a lot of experience to our team." "They are pretty much always the same return to UNLV for his senior season. The biggest returning presence down in terms of competing extremely hard and "Odartey is an extremely hard worker low for UNLV is Amundson, a 6-9 forward,

60 SEASON OUTLOOK who averaged 4.5 ppg and 4.1 rpg and just in 17 games last year and recorded one start. immediate defensive presence down low. shy of a blocked shot per game last season. He averaged just under seven minutes per "Joel is a very good athlete and has a He averaged just over 16 minutes per game. terrific attitude," Kruger says. "He wants to game and shot 52.5 percent from "Andy had a very good spring learn and wants to get better. Right now his the field. His 0.9 blocks per game and I think he will be much more of defense is ahead of his offense, but his average was eighth in the con- a contributor to our club than peo- offense is going to improve quickly. He ference. He is in his fourth ple expect," Kruger says. "He should be a real good worker on the inside for year with the program as he shot the ball as well as any- us." used a medical redshirt in one during the offseason Villepigue, a 6-9 junior forward, trans- 2002-03. and is shooting with a ferred from Dixie State College in St. George, "Louis has worked in lot of confidence. He Utah. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 the offseason about as hard can play a number of rebounds per game and led his conference in as anyone," says Kruger. positions for us and percentage last year at 64.9 per- "He has put on weight and when we go small on cent. has added bulk and is hun- the floor, he could "Dustin has a great attitude and is gry to have an outstanding become a fourth another team-oriented guy," says Kruger. final two years here at UNLV. perimeter player." "He is the kind of player that will take a I think he will be more of a Darfour, a 6-0 guard, charge, get a game-winning scoring presence than people made only one appear- and just do the little things neces- are anticipating. He is a very ance last year. "Colin has sary to help the team. He will be good athlete and needs to be a a terrific attitude and is a a great compliment to our big rebounder for us this sea- Jerel Blassingame great worker perimeter scorers." son." everyday in Adding even more Assisting with the guard duties will be practice," says Kruger. "He is a depth to the guard spot Umeh and Winston. guy that wants to contribute to for UNLV will be Morgan, Umeh (6-2) appeared in 29 games last this team in any way possible." a 6-0 junior guard, who season, averaging 2.8 ppg in an average of transferred from 12.5 minutes. He shot 44.4 percent NEWCOMERS Schoolcraft College in from the field and was fourth on the Michigan and averaged team in 3-point percentage at The 2004-05 Runnin' 8.9 points and 6.1 assists 33.3 percent as a freshman. Rebels welcome seven per game last year. He "Michael is going to new faces to the roster. attended Iowa State in become a very good player for They are junior college 2001-02 and led the us," Kruger says. "He is a guy transfers Joel Anthony, Romel Beck Cyclones in assists as a true who can really make shots and Robert Berkey, Ricky freshman that year. is a great competitor. He pays Morgan, Dustin Villepigue and "Ricky brings a great deal of leadership very good attention to detail and Wilbur Williams. Williams joined and experience to us and is a tough, gritty we are excited about his future UNLV last spring and practiced defender," says Kruger. "He is the kind of and the next three years with with the team. Also new are player that will do whatever he has to do to Michael." freshmen Curtis Terry and René help the team be successful." Winston (6-3) saw action in Rougeau. Williams, a 6-3 junior forward trans- 31 games, logging three starts. He Kruger addressed an ferred from L.A. City College in the middle of shot 40 percent from the field and immediate need for size and last season. In 2002-03 at LACC, Williams averaged 13.0 minutes as a fresh- post play shortly after becoming averaged 11.5 points and 6.5 rebounds per man. UNLV's head coach with the game while shooting 71 percent. Fellow "John has worked hard to trim additions of Anthony and Runnin' Rebels Blassingame and Beck were himself down a little and has become Villepigue. also on that team as the trio led the school to more athletic," Kruger says. "He is a Anthony, a 6-9 junior the California junior college state champi- great competitor and a very tough guy. center who transferred from onship. He will need to take a lot of pride defen- Pensacola (Fla.) JC, was "Wilbur has the ability to run the floor sively and lock people up this year. selected first team all-confer- and can score in transition," Kruger says. "He He could be constantly looking at Louis Amundson ence last year after averag- needs to develop into a real defensive-mind- taking on our opponent's top scor- ing 9 points, 7 rebounds and ed player and be another guy that can con- ers defensively." 3.5 blocked shots per game. He will add an sistently defend our opponent's top scoring Hannan, a 6-6 guard/forward, appeared threat."

61 SEASON OUTLOOK

Terry, a 6-5 guard/forward, averaged 20 ing staff to work as much as possible with his Oregon State before heading out on the road points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists last year as new team so they could quickly gel into a to face California, Nevada, Reno, Pepperdine a senior at Curtis High School in University strong unit. and Auburn during a tough stretch over Place, Wash. He was selected to the all-area With that in mind, UNLV traveled to the first two weeks of December. first team and was a McDonald's All- Canada in September for a foreign The Runnin' Rebels then American nominee. exhibition tour. Kruger was able return home to host one of the most "Curtis has great blood lines of to run complete team prac- anticipated doubleheaders in col- course (his brother is NBA point tices for the 10 days lead- lege basketball this season as guard ) and has ing up to the trip, when UNLV will host Oklahoma State good size," Kruger says. most other teams before Georgia Tech faces "He can play the point or across the country could Gonzaga on Dec. 18 at the the wing and has a very not, enabling the Runnin' Thomas & Mack Center. good feel for the game. Rebels to get a head start After three more He can score from 3- for this season. home games against point range and can dis- Not only did the Gardner-Webb, Florida tribute the ball with good Runnin' Rebels experi- Atlantic and Texas-Pan timing." ence early success, American, the Runnin' Berkey, a 6-4 junior going 4-0 against four Rebels will make guard who transferred from Canadian colleges, but another tough road trip Barstow (Calif.) College, Kruger had the opportunity to play at Texas on Jan. averaged 12 points, 5 to instill his values, work ethic 2. UNLV then returns rebounds and 5 assists per and expectations for the home to play Fort Lewis game last season and shot Michael Umeh team. before MWC play 40 percent from 3-point range. "It was great -- the 10 days begins on Jan. 10 with "Robert has the ability to score and brings of practice time, getting to spend time a road game at Utah some experience to our team," Kruger says. together on the road, playing against dif- Dustin Villepigue on ESPN's Big "He has a great feel for the game and should ferent competition," Kruger said. "It was Monday. work into some minutes for us." a tremendous opportunity for us to become "I think we are playing a very good Rougeau, a 6-5 guard, averaged 6 more familiar with each other." schedule," Kruger says. "The non- points and 5 rebounds per game The trip also confirmed Kruger's conference portion is terrific in as a senior at Etiwanda High intentions to run an up-tempo offense terms of preparation for league School in Rancho and be a team that will also place play. We have some tough Cucamonga, Calif., last a high emphasis on pressure opponents on the road as year. defense. well as some tough ones "René is a quality ath- "Our fans should at home." lete who is a good scorer enjoy watching this About midway and a good worker," Kruger team," Kruger through the con- says. "He is eager to learn said. "They will like ference slate, and has been picking things our activity on the UNLV will host up very quickly. With added defensive end of the Missouri in its strength and time he will add floor and will like our final non-confer- a lot to our program." ability to get out and ence game of the year run." on Feb. 9. The MWC EARLY START Not only does this year's Tournament will be held in team have a chance to win as Denver, Colo., for the second Kruger, who spent the past Kruger hinted at when he was straight year, March 10-12. three seasons in the NBA, hired, but it appears the group "The schedule is a good enters his 19th year as a colle- will be a lot of fun to watch. Ricky Morgan one relative to the RPI giate head coach with a record and one that will be very of 318-233 (.577). With his vast SCHEDULE challenging and will bode well based on the experience on the sidelines, results that we expect," Kruger says. "It is certainly a schedule that will warrant atten- Kruger knew that it would be Joel Anthony UNLV opens at home this important for him and his coach- year with St. Mary's followed by tion for consideration for postseason play."

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golf, which won the 1998 national title. ANDY GROSSMAN He left the world of collegiate athletics in February of 2000 and headed across town to serve as public relations Director of Media Relations coordinator for Mirage Resorts, Incorporated. When MGM Andy Grossman is in his ninth year with UNLV athlet- Grand, Inc., merged with Mirage to form MGM MIRAGE, ics and fifth as director of media relations. Grossman was promoted to public relations manager for the A 1996 graduate of the with a new company. bachelor’s in media arts, he began in the sports information In August of 2000, Grossman came back to UNLV to business as a student assistant in the Wildcats’ athletics work in his current role as director of media relations. In this department. position, he oversees the sports information department and From Tucson, Grossman headed to Las Vegas to serves as the primary contact the men’s basketball and serve as a sports information intern at UNLV in 1996. He men’s golf programs. was hired as assistant sports information director in 1997 He and his wife, Melissa, who is UNLV’s director of and worked with women’s basketball, volleyball and men’s marketing, have a daughter, Hannah (4), and a son, Jake (1).

Outreach and Admissions Department at Three Rivers JULIE JOHNSON Community College in Norwich, Conn., from 1997-99, col- Academic Advisor lege publicist (1998-99) and Tech-Prep Liaison (1999-2001) at Three Rivers and a visiting professor at the U.S. Coast Overseeing the academic areas for the men’s basket- Guard Academy in 2000-01 before rejoining UNLV in her ball, women’s basketball and softball programs at UNLV is current role. advisor Julie Johnson. Johnson was a lecturer in UNLV’s English Department Johnson earned a bachelor’s in English from Westfield from 1990-94 and was an assistant academic advisor for the State College in 1985 and a master’s in English literature Rebel softball team in 1991-92. She also was a copy editor from UNLV in 1990. and staff writer for What’s On in Las Vegas Magazine in She was also an academic advisor for UNLV Athletics 1990-91. from 1994-96 before leaving to become the coordinator of Johnson has two children, Mark, Jr. (9) and Morgan the Community Learning Center at Griswold (Conn.) High (5). School. She was the allied health counselor for the

conditioning coach in 2002. JASON KABO He is in his fourth year overall working with the men's Assistant basketball, baseball, and swimming and diving programs at UNLV. Strength and Conditioning Kabo has also been involved in various professional and semi-professional basketball skills camps throughout Jason Kabo is a certified strength and conditioning his time at UNLV. specialist through the NSCA who has been involved with the He and wife Sheri are expecting their first child in UNLV strength and conditioning department since 1999. December. Kabo is a Pennsylvania native and a 1999 graduate of Slippery Rock University (of Pennsylvania), with a bache- lor‘s degree in exercise science. After volunteering and completing an internship under the direction of Mark Philippi, UNLV’s director of strength and conditioning, he was promoted to assistant strength and

ticketing, Lew also worked with the Las Vegas Sting (arena RYAN LEW football) and the Las Vegas Dustdevils (indoor soccer) in Director of Ticketing 1994. The Dustdevils were the indoor soccer champions that season. With over 15 years of ticketing experience, Ryan Lew Additionally, Lew worked in Mandalay Bay’s ticketing takes over as Director of Ticketing for UNLV Athletics this department and was instrumental in getting its box office off season. the ground. Lew has been with UNLV for the past 15 years, work- Lew is a 1994 UNLV graduate with a degree in man- ing mostly with special events for the Thomas & Mack agement. He enjoys doing stand-up comedy in his spare Center. time. Lew left Las Vegas for one year to become an assis- tant basketball coach at Cal State San Bernardino. While in

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marketing department for athletics. In her role as director, MELISSA MEACHAM she oversees the department and all marketing efforts for Director of Marketing UNLV’s 17 sports. Meacham has handled the game entertainment for all Melissa Meacham is in her ninth year with UNLV four Basketball Tournaments at Athletics and sixth as the director of marketing. A former stu- the Thomas & Mack Center and several Las Vegas Bowls at dent-athlete at UNLV as a swimmer, she also serves as the Sam Boyd Stadium. She was also a marketing and enter- administrator for the cheer and dance program. tainment consultant for the Las Vegas Silver Bandits of the She began her career in 1996 as an intern in the International Basketball League during their first season. Thomas & Mack Center’s Corporate Sales/Marketing Meacham is a 1996 graduate of UNLV. She and her Department and in 1997 she was hired as corporate sales husband, Andy, who is UNLV’s director of media relations, manager. have a daughter, Hannah (4), and a son, Jake (1). In 1998, Meacham moved down the hall to work in the

Nelson also coordinates all of the Mountain West ROB NELSON Conference championships held on the UNLV campus and Director of Game Operations served as the director of the men's and women's MWC bas- and Facilities ketball tournaments in both 2001 and 2002. Before joining the game operations staff at UNLV, Rob Nelson is in his eighth year with the UNLV Nelson was an environmental field manager at Hidden Athletics Department and serves as the director of game Valley Ranch in Moapa, Nev., in 1996-97, and was an envi- operations and facilities. ronmental technician with Viceroy Gold Corporation in A 1997 graduate of UNLV with a bachelor's in environ- Searchlight, Nev., in 1995. mental studies, Nelson oversees all athletics facilities and Nelson and his wife, Wendy, live in Henderson. manages the staff involved in the operations of 15 of UNLV's 17 sports programs.

1996-97 and he started his coaching career as the head MIKE PECK junior varsity boy’s basketball coach at Gaylord St. Mary Video Coordinator Cathedral High School in Gaylord, Mich., in 1995-96. Peck spent a few months out of basketball when he Mike Peck is in his second year with the UNLV men’s was the branch service manager at Beneficial Florida, Inc., basketball program and serves as video coordinator. in Fort Myers, Fla. Peck came to Las Vegas from Saginaw Valley State Peck was a four-year letterwinner and two-time acade- University in University Center, Mich., where he was an mic All-American at Northwood where he earned his bache- assistant men’s basketball coach from 1998-2003. Prior to lor’s in business administration in 1993. He received his SVSU, Peck was an assistant coach for the men’s basket- master’s in education from SVSU in 1998. ball team at his alma mater, Northwood University in Peck and his wife, Terri, have a 5-year-old daughter Midland, Mich., in 1997-98. named Madison. Peck was a graduate assistant coach at SVSU in

Tourism in the Twentieth Century American West (1998), which HAL K. ROTHMAN received the 1999 Western Writers of America Spur Award for Contemporary Nonfiction. Also, his book LBJ’s Texas White Faculty Athletics Representative House (2001) won the Texas Philosophical Society’s 2002 Serving as faculty representative for UNLV Athletics since Award of Merit and his later volume, The Culture of Tourism, the the 2001 school year is renowned Las Vegas historian Dr. Hal Tourism of Culture, received the Border Regional Library K. Rothman. Association’s Southwest Book Award for 2003. As a faculty representative, a designee holding faculty Labeled by Slate magazine as “the foremost guru of the rank outside of the athletics department, Rothman represents new Las Vegas,” Rothman has frequently been quoted by the institution and its faculty in relationships with the NCAA and numerous major media outlets. Additionally, he hosts “Our the Mountain West Conference and oversees the regular certi- Metropolis,” a public affairs program on KUNV-91.5 radio in Las fication of all UNLV student-athletes and coaches. Vegas. The chairman of the Department of History at UNLV, The two-time UNLV Distinguished Scholar won the 2004 Rothman joined the school in 1992 after serving as an assistant Harry Reid Silver State Research Award and the 2001 UNLV professor at Wichita State University from 1987-92. Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. He was also Considered one of the foremost experts on the culture of recently elected to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. Las Vegas and all the West, Rothman has authored numerous A graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana- books and articles, including Neon Metropolis: How Las Vegas Champaign, he earned his bachelor’s degree in 1980 before Started The Twenty-First Century (2002) and Devil’s Bargains: attending the Unviersity of Texas, where he received his mas- ter’s degree in 1982 and earned his doctorate three years later.

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Christian University but then became a football team man- ROCKY RUTLEDGE ager and then an intern in the Horned Frogs' equipment department. Assistant Equipment Rutledge has already worked as part of three athletic Manager conferences: the Southwest, Western Athletic and Mountain West. He is a veteran of three bowl games - the 1994 A lifelong Texan, Rocky Rutledge traveled west to Independence Bowl, the '98 Sun Bowl and the 2000 Las UNLV in 1999 to begin serving as the Rebels' assistant Vegas Bowl - as well as the 2000 NCAA Basketball equipment manager. Tournament with the Runnin' Rebels and three NCAA track In Las Vegas, he works with men's basketball and championships while working with TCU student-athletes. He football and travels with both programs. Additionally, he also managed the TCU website for two years and has expe- works with the women’s golf program. rience in the sports information field. A native of Irving, Texas, Rutledge began his career in He graduated from TCU in 1998 with a bachelor's athletics as a student trainer at R.L. Turner High School. He degree in education with an emphasis on fitness promotion continued as an athletic trainer while attending Texas and kinesiology.

tion. A 1988 graduate of the University of Michigan, he DAVE TOMCHEK served as a student athletic trainer for the Wolverines. He Athletic Trainer earned his master's degree in education from UNLV in 1990. Tomchek enjoys Nascar, pro wrestling, fishing, golf and Dave Tomchek begins his eighth season as the athlet- spending time with his children. Tomchek and his wife, ic trainer for Runnin' Rebel basketball and the men’s golf Denise, have three children: Wyatt (10), Michaela (9) and team. In addition to his athletic training duties, Tomchek Skylar (6). They also have two dogs named Jifko and Trevor. coordinates all aspects of team travel. Prior to returning to UNLV, he spent six seasons as an athletic trainer in the Atlanta Braves organization (1992-97). Tomchek served as a graduate assistant and assistant athletic trainer at UNLV before joining the Braves organiza-

BRIAN BOE SCOTT CHINARIAN GAIL DeANGELIS ANNETTE FAZIO CHRIS MONETTE ADAM SCHWARTZ Student Manager Student Manager Administrative Asst. Administrative Asst. Student Manager Student Manager

DR. GREG BIGLER DR. JAMES CALLAWAY DR. ALBERT CAPANNA DR. CRAIG HAMILTON DR. GERALD HIGGINS DR. KEITH KOHORST Orthopedics Dentist Neurosurgeon Optometrist Orthopedics Optometrist

DR. RICK LIPPMANN DR. DANIEL ORR DR. VERN PROCHASKA DR. JASON TARNO DR. BENJAMIN VENGER DR. DAN WILKES General Medicine Maxillofacial Orthopedics General Medicine Neurosurgeon Drug Testing

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