Had a conversation with a friend (that turned into an argument) about the culture of UNLV's basketball program. I basically stated that Kruger's leadership started building a culture within the program. The guys had Rebel pride, were there to contribute to the program, and had accountability/responsibility. Another one of my points was that it was not a coincidence that things went south when Kruger's guys graduated, DJ Allen and Livengood moved on, etc. I bring up DJ/Livengood because they helped foster a relationship with the community and fans that resonated. They were strong leaders within the AD and also in public. When they left, that was all but eliminated.
The other side of the argument was that UNLV as a university has an apathetic and crappy culture. There is truth to that. But, he also said that UNLV basketball cannot create their own "sub-culture" because of the crappy overall culture. Another point my friend made was that culture was not a problem over the last few years. I gave examples of a certain former player cursing out coaches, leaving practice early (and coming back the next day to little discipline), throwing weight belts at Kabo, etc. to illustrate some of the things that have helped weaken out culture
I think that the culture around the program the last few years has been a liability. It sucks to say this because I like Dave as a person A LOT, but I think we didn't quite have a strong leader at the top. And without a strong leader, you cannot cultivate a strong organizational culture. It doesn't help having a puppet as an athletic director, either.
I would like to hear the input of other folks around the program and what your opinion is on the culture of UNLV basketball. And what has changed over the last few years.
The other side of the argument was that UNLV as a university has an apathetic and crappy culture. There is truth to that. But, he also said that UNLV basketball cannot create their own "sub-culture" because of the crappy overall culture. Another point my friend made was that culture was not a problem over the last few years. I gave examples of a certain former player cursing out coaches, leaving practice early (and coming back the next day to little discipline), throwing weight belts at Kabo, etc. to illustrate some of the things that have helped weaken out culture
I think that the culture around the program the last few years has been a liability. It sucks to say this because I like Dave as a person A LOT, but I think we didn't quite have a strong leader at the top. And without a strong leader, you cannot cultivate a strong organizational culture. It doesn't help having a puppet as an athletic director, either.
I would like to hear the input of other folks around the program and what your opinion is on the culture of UNLV basketball. And what has changed over the last few years.
