UNLV doesn’t expect to fill its vacant coaching position until “at least Sunday,” but legendary Rebels coach Jerry Tarkanian has a favorite for the job: Reggie Theus.
That’s hardly a surprise.
Theus, 53, was part of Tarkanian’s first great UNLV team, starring for the Rebels from 1975 to 1978. He helped get the school to its first Final Four, back in 1977. He played in the NBA for 13 years and coached the Sacramento Kings during the 2007-08 season. He coached New Mexico State for two years, going 41-23 and reaching one NCAA tournament. He’s also been as assistant under Rick Pitino at Louisville.
Last week, Tarkanian said it would be a “joke” if Theus didn’t get the gig.
“I think Reggie would do a great job. He would be a great recruiter. I’ve talked to him a lot about basketball,” Tarkanian told the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Theus is hardly the only consideration, though.
Former Oregon and St. Mary’s coach Ernie Kent, St. John’s assistant Mike Dunlap and BYU assistant Dave Rice are the four finalists to fill Lon Kruger’s role.
Unfortunately for Tark, Las Vegas Sun reporter Ryan Greene says the job is probably headed Rice’s way. But as long as Rice ensures the Rebs keep winning, I bet Tark’ll be happy.
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