Staffing speculation per Rebel-Net sources (grok).
Darryl LaBarrie
- Background: Served under Pastner at Georgia Tech from 2016-2023 as an assistant, known for recruiting and player development. He’s now at San Diego State but could be lured back.
- Why UNLV?: LaBarrie’s West Coast ties (he’s from California) and familiarity with Pastner’s system make him a natural fit. His recruiting skills could target California and Nevada talent, crucial for UNLV’s pipeline. Plus, he’s worked in a competitive mid-major conference (Mountain West), aligning with UNLV’s context.
- Likelihood: High if Pastner values continuity and trusts LaBarrie to hit the ground running in the transfer portal.
2. Luke Murray
- Background: Currently an assistant at UConn under Dan Hurley, Murray has a rising profile after back-to-back national titles. He and Pastner overlapped briefly at Arizona in the early 2000s as young staffers.
- Why UNLV?: Murray’s recruiting reach (East Coast and beyond) and experience with elite programs could elevate UNLV’s profile. His connection to Pastner, though distant, might spark a reunion. However, leaving a powerhouse like UConn for a rebuilding job is a long shot unless Pastner offers a significant role (e.g., associate head coach).
- Likelihood: Moderate—depends on Murray’s ambition to step out of Hurley’s shadow and Pastner’s sales pitch.
3. Rod Clark
- Background: Currently at Tennessee, Clark worked under Pastner at Georgia Tech from 2020-2022 before moving to the Vols. He’s known as a strong recruiter, particularly in the Southeast.
- Why UNLV?: Clark knows Pastner’s system and has proven he can land talent (e.g., helping Tennessee secure top classes). His youth (mid-30s) fits Pastner’s energetic vibe, and he could pivot his recruiting focus westward. Tennessee’s deep staff might make him open to a bigger role at UNLV.
- Likelihood: High if Pastner wants a familiar face with recruiting chops who’s ready for a new challenge.
4. Glynn Cyprien
- Background: A veteran assistant who worked with Pastner at Memphis (2009-2011) and has since bounced around (Texas Tech, Arkansas). He’s currently at UTEP.
- Why UNLV?: Cyprien’s Southwest ties (El Paso, Texas roots) and long history with Pastner could make him a stabilizing presence. He’s a defensive specialist, aligning with Pastner’s priorities, and knows mid-major recruiting from his Conference USA days.
- Likelihood: Moderate—depends on whether Pastner wants an old ally and if Cyprien sees UNLV as a step up from UTEP.
5. Local Vegas Connection (e.g., Stacey Augmon or a UNLV alum)
- Background: Augmon, a UNLV legend from the 1990 Jerry Tarkanian title team, has coached in the NBA (Nuggets, Kings) and could be enticed back. Other alums like Kevin Kruger’s former assistants might also be in play.
- Why UNLV?: Pastner has emphasized connecting with Rebel Nation and alumni in his initial statements. Hiring a figure like Augmon would energize fans, bridge the program’s past glory to its future, and help retain local talent like Dedan Thomas Jr. Augmon’s NBA experience could also appeal to recruits.
- Likelihood: High if Pastner prioritizes community buy-in; Augmon’s availability and interest are the wild cards.
Likely staffing outlook:
Associate Head Coach: Darryl LaBarrie (continuity, recruiting)
- Assistant Coach: Rod Clark (recruiting, Pastner familiarity)
- Assistant Coach: Stacey Augmon (local ties, fan appeal)
- Director of Basketball Ops: A trusted holdover from his Georgia Tech days (e.g., Tyler Benson) or a young riser.
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