In Las Vegas, UNLV’s men’s basketball program has experienced a major change. Kevin Kruger, known for his on-court leadership that helped take the team to the Sweet 16 in 2007 when he played as a point guard under the guidance of his father, the storied coach Lon Kruger, was dismissed from his role as coach on Saturday. Over his four-year tenure, Kruger amassed a record of 76 wins and 55 losses. Unfortunately, the team has not participated in NCAA Tournament play, a feat last accomplished in 2013, during a period when UNLV was known as a formidable force in college basketball.
This latest season was marked by adversity as the team grappled with numerous injuries, leading to a bare-bones roster of six players by the time they competed in the Mountain West Tournament. UNLV’s journey ended in the quarterfinals with a defeat to Utah State, finishing the season with a modest record of 18-15.
Reflecting on the decisions made, Erick Harper, UNLV’s athletic director, issued a statement acknowledging the positive moments under Kruger’s leadership while pointing out the prevailing issues. Harper emphasized aspirations for the program to excel both within the Mountain West Conference and nationally, with the ultimate aim of succeeding in the NCAA Tournament and securing championships. An evaluation of the program led to the decision that a change in leadership was essential to meet these goals.
As Harper considers the next steps for finding a new head coach, he faces a challenging financial landscape. A recent report presented to the Nevada Board of Regents highlighted a $27 million deficit within the athletic department for fiscal year 2024. Despite these fiscal pressures, UNLV demonstrates a readiness to invest in influential leadership. This is evidenced by the hiring of football coach Dan Mullen, who was offered a notable five-year contract totaling $17.5 million.
Once a dominant entity in the basketball realm, UNLV’s men’s team has struggled to regain its footing as even a conference contender in recent seasons. Much credit for the team’s past successes, including frequent NCAA Tournament appearances, rests with former coach Lon Kruger. Over Kruger’s tenure from 2004 to 2011, UNLV advanced to the NCAA Tournament in four of his last five seasons, including a Sweet 16 run in 2007 featuring Kevin Kruger, who made national news as a graduate transfer pioneering a rule change that allowed instant eligibility. His on-court efforts were key to UNLV’s memorable NCAA performance.
