In UNLV coach T.J. Otzelberger's first season at the helm of the Runnin' Rebels basketball program, things haven't gone as smooth as the first-year coach had hoped. Growing pains, injuries, a tough early schedule and minimal fan support have plagued the program this season. Regardless, Otzelberger understands the bigger picture and knows it's a work in progress heading into tonight's Mountain West Conference opener at Fresno State.
As the final game at Sam Boyd Stadium nears, UNLV Athletics has posted its top five favorite moments in the stadium's long history here in Southern Nevada. From Wayne Newton to a Bellagio-esque sprinkler malfunction, UNLV's sports information team compiled a quality list of its top memories at the old Silver Bowl.
When first-year UNLV basketball coach T.J. Otzelberger took over the Runnin' Rebels program, he implemented a new offensive philosophy from top to bottom. The enthusiastic coach took the offense from Marvin Menzies's sleepy half-court set to a fast-paced, shooter friendly concept predicted on quick shots and transition offense.
You can feel the enthusiasm building in small pockets within the UNLV basketball fan base. The Thomas & Mack Center echoes with the cautiously optimistic whispers in the front sections of season ticket holders while watchful observations rain down from from the nose bleeds.
It's been a long while since UNLV's basketball team entered a season with as much anticipation as it does as it heads into tonight's regular season opener against Purdue-Fort Wayne. Fans will get their first real look at the Runnin' Rebels under their new head coach T.J. Otzelberger.
