Reviving the UNLV basketball program, which has a storied history but has struggled in recent years, would require attracting a coach capable of restoring its competitive edge and fan enthusiasm. The coaches you’ve listed—Will Wade (McNeese State), Ben McCollum (Drake), Russell Turner (UC Irvine), Bryce Drew (Grand Canyon), Casey Alexander (Belmont), John Groce (Akron), Alan Huss (High Point), and Bucky McMillan (Samford)—are all successful mid-major coaches with varying levels of experience and appeal. Let’s assess their potential fit for UNLV and the likelihood of luring them to Las Vegas as of February 22, 2025.
### Factors to Consider
UNLV offers a legacy of success (e.g., the 1990 national title under Jerry Tarkanian), a passionate fan base, and a location in Las Vegas that could appeal to recruits and coaches alike. However, recent instability (six head coaches since 2016), inconsistent performance, and competition within the Mountain West Conference pose challenges. The program would need to offer a competitive salary, resources for recruiting, and a clear commitment to rebuilding. Each coach’s current situation, career trajectory, and willingness to move will also play a role.
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### Will Wade (McNeese State)
- Current Status: Wade has transformed McNeese State into a Southland Conference powerhouse, posting a 30-4 record in 2023-24 and a 17-8 start to 2024-25 (as of mid-February 2025). His recruiting prowess and fast-paced style have revitalized the Cowboys.
- Fit for UNLV: Excellent. Wade’s high-energy approach and ability to win with transfers could reignite UNLV’s fan base and recruiting in the West. His prior high-major experience at LSU (2017-22) suggests he’s ready for a bigger stage again.
- Likelihood: High. Wade’s NCAA sanctions from LSU are in the rearview, and after two years at McNeese, he might be eager to return to a high-profile program. UNLV could offer a bigger budget and platform, though he’d likely demand significant control and resources. If he wins another conference title in 2025, his stock will soar, but UNLV could strike now.
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### Ben McCollum (Drake)
- Current Status: McCollum took over Drake in 2024-25 after a legendary 15-year run at Division II Northwest Missouri State (four national titles, .846 winning percentage). Drake is 17-6 so far this season, showing early success.
- Fit for UNLV: Very good. McCollum’s meticulous system and player development skills could bring consistency to UNLV, though his deliberate pace might not fully align with the program’s flashy tradition.
- Likelihood: Low. McCollum just arrived at Drake, a solid mid-major with recent NCAA Tournament appearances. He’s likely committed to building there rather than jumping ship after one season. UNLV would need a blockbuster offer, and even then, he might not bite yet.
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### Russell Turner (UC Irvine)
- Current Status: Turner has been at UC Irvine since 2010, compiling a 288-147 record and dominating the Big West (eight straight first- or second-place finishes). The Anteaters are 17-7 in 2024-25.
- Fit for UNLV: Strong. Turner’s defensive-minded teams and recruiting ties in California could translate well to the Mountain West. He’s proven he can sustain success.
- Likelihood: Moderate. Turner has resisted past overtures (e.g., Nevada in 2021), suggesting contentment at Irvine. UNLV’s bigger stage and proximity to Southern California might tempt him, but he’d need assurances of long-term support. At 54, this could be his last shot at a high-major job.
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### Bryce Drew (Grand Canyon)
- Current Status: Drew has turned Grand Canyon into a WAC contender since 2020, with a 103-35 record and two NCAA Tournament trips. GCU is 20-4 this season, a mid-major darling.
- Fit for UNLV: Excellent. Drew’s up-tempo style, recruiting success, and experience at Vanderbilt (2016-19) make him a natural fit for UNLV’s aspirations. His name carries cachet from his playing days too.
- Likelihood: Moderate to High. GCU’s private-school setup and fanatical support are hard to leave, but UNLV could offer more resources and a return to a power conference spotlight. If Drew wants a bigger challenge, this could appeal, especially if GCU stumbles in March.
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### Casey Alexander (Belmont)
- Current Status: Alexander has a 139-50 record at Belmont since 2019, with multiple 20-win seasons. Belmont is 15-9 in 2024-25, competitive in the Missouri Valley.
- Fit for UNLV: Good. Alexander’s disciplined, efficient teams could stabilize UNLV, though his lower-key style might not fully ignite the fan base.
- Likelihood: Low to Moderate. Alexander has deep ties to Belmont (as an alum and long-time assistant) and turned down bigger jobs before. UNLV would need to sell him on a career-defining move, but he seems comfortable in Nashville.
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### John Groce (Akron)
- Current Status: Groce has revitalized Akron since 2017, with a 141-73 record and two NCAA appearances. The Zips are 17-6 this season, leading the MAC.
- Fit for UNLV: Solid. Groce’s experience at Illinois (2012-17) and Ohio (2008-12) shows he can handle bigger programs. His balanced approach could work in Vegas.
- Likelihood: Moderate. Groce might see UNLV as a step up from the MAC, especially after middling results at Illinois. At 53, he could be motivated for one more high-major run, though Akron’s stability might keep him put unless UNLV makes a strong push.
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### Alan Huss (High Point)
- Current Status: In his first DI head coaching gig, Huss has High Point at 20-5 in 2024-25, leading the Big South after a 27-9 debut season.
- Fit for UNLV: Promising. Huss’s fast-paced, guard-driven system could excite UNLV fans, and his youth (39) brings energy. Limited high-major experience is a question mark.
- Likelihood: High. Huss is early in his career and could view UNLV as a springboard. High Point’s smaller budget and profile make it less likely to retain him if a bigger program calls. He’s a rising star UNLV could snag.
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### Bucky McMillan (Samford)
- Current Status: McMillan’s frenetic “Bucky Ball” has Samford at 18-5 in 2024-25 after a 29-6 season. He’s 77-25 since 2020.
- Fit for UNLV: Excellent. His chaotic, high-scoring style could revive UNLV’s Runnin’ Rebels identity and thrill fans. He’s untested at the high-major level, but the fit is electric.
- Likelihood: Moderate. McMillan signed an extension after 2023-24, showing loyalty to Samford, but a breakout NCAA run could make him a hot commodity. UNLV’s resources and tradition might sway him if he’s ready to leap.
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### Conclusion
- Most Likely to Join UNLV: Will Wade and Alan Huss stand out. Wade’s proven he can win big and might be ready for a high-major return, while Huss’s upward trajectory makes him a prime candidate for a jump. Bryce Drew is a close third if he’s lured by a bigger stage.
- Toughest to Get: Ben McCollum (too new at Drake) and Casey Alexander (rooted at Belmont) seem least likely to move now.
- Best Fits: Wade, Drew, and McMillan align best with UNLV’s up-tempo heritage and fan expectations.
UNLV’s success in landing any of these coaches hinges on offering a compelling vision, competitive pay (likely $2-3 million annually), and NIL support to compete in the transfer portal era. Wade feels like the top target—his track record and hunger for redemption could make him the spark UNLV needs. Huss and Drew are strong fallback options with high upside. The Rebels should act decisively post-season to capitalize on their potential availability.
### Factors to Consider
UNLV offers a legacy of success (e.g., the 1990 national title under Jerry Tarkanian), a passionate fan base, and a location in Las Vegas that could appeal to recruits and coaches alike. However, recent instability (six head coaches since 2016), inconsistent performance, and competition within the Mountain West Conference pose challenges. The program would need to offer a competitive salary, resources for recruiting, and a clear commitment to rebuilding. Each coach’s current situation, career trajectory, and willingness to move will also play a role.
---
### Will Wade (McNeese State)
- Current Status: Wade has transformed McNeese State into a Southland Conference powerhouse, posting a 30-4 record in 2023-24 and a 17-8 start to 2024-25 (as of mid-February 2025). His recruiting prowess and fast-paced style have revitalized the Cowboys.
- Fit for UNLV: Excellent. Wade’s high-energy approach and ability to win with transfers could reignite UNLV’s fan base and recruiting in the West. His prior high-major experience at LSU (2017-22) suggests he’s ready for a bigger stage again.
- Likelihood: High. Wade’s NCAA sanctions from LSU are in the rearview, and after two years at McNeese, he might be eager to return to a high-profile program. UNLV could offer a bigger budget and platform, though he’d likely demand significant control and resources. If he wins another conference title in 2025, his stock will soar, but UNLV could strike now.
---
### Ben McCollum (Drake)
- Current Status: McCollum took over Drake in 2024-25 after a legendary 15-year run at Division II Northwest Missouri State (four national titles, .846 winning percentage). Drake is 17-6 so far this season, showing early success.
- Fit for UNLV: Very good. McCollum’s meticulous system and player development skills could bring consistency to UNLV, though his deliberate pace might not fully align with the program’s flashy tradition.
- Likelihood: Low. McCollum just arrived at Drake, a solid mid-major with recent NCAA Tournament appearances. He’s likely committed to building there rather than jumping ship after one season. UNLV would need a blockbuster offer, and even then, he might not bite yet.
---
### Russell Turner (UC Irvine)
- Current Status: Turner has been at UC Irvine since 2010, compiling a 288-147 record and dominating the Big West (eight straight first- or second-place finishes). The Anteaters are 17-7 in 2024-25.
- Fit for UNLV: Strong. Turner’s defensive-minded teams and recruiting ties in California could translate well to the Mountain West. He’s proven he can sustain success.
- Likelihood: Moderate. Turner has resisted past overtures (e.g., Nevada in 2021), suggesting contentment at Irvine. UNLV’s bigger stage and proximity to Southern California might tempt him, but he’d need assurances of long-term support. At 54, this could be his last shot at a high-major job.
---
### Bryce Drew (Grand Canyon)
- Current Status: Drew has turned Grand Canyon into a WAC contender since 2020, with a 103-35 record and two NCAA Tournament trips. GCU is 20-4 this season, a mid-major darling.
- Fit for UNLV: Excellent. Drew’s up-tempo style, recruiting success, and experience at Vanderbilt (2016-19) make him a natural fit for UNLV’s aspirations. His name carries cachet from his playing days too.
- Likelihood: Moderate to High. GCU’s private-school setup and fanatical support are hard to leave, but UNLV could offer more resources and a return to a power conference spotlight. If Drew wants a bigger challenge, this could appeal, especially if GCU stumbles in March.
---
### Casey Alexander (Belmont)
- Current Status: Alexander has a 139-50 record at Belmont since 2019, with multiple 20-win seasons. Belmont is 15-9 in 2024-25, competitive in the Missouri Valley.
- Fit for UNLV: Good. Alexander’s disciplined, efficient teams could stabilize UNLV, though his lower-key style might not fully ignite the fan base.
- Likelihood: Low to Moderate. Alexander has deep ties to Belmont (as an alum and long-time assistant) and turned down bigger jobs before. UNLV would need to sell him on a career-defining move, but he seems comfortable in Nashville.
---
### John Groce (Akron)
- Current Status: Groce has revitalized Akron since 2017, with a 141-73 record and two NCAA appearances. The Zips are 17-6 this season, leading the MAC.
- Fit for UNLV: Solid. Groce’s experience at Illinois (2012-17) and Ohio (2008-12) shows he can handle bigger programs. His balanced approach could work in Vegas.
- Likelihood: Moderate. Groce might see UNLV as a step up from the MAC, especially after middling results at Illinois. At 53, he could be motivated for one more high-major run, though Akron’s stability might keep him put unless UNLV makes a strong push.
---
### Alan Huss (High Point)
- Current Status: In his first DI head coaching gig, Huss has High Point at 20-5 in 2024-25, leading the Big South after a 27-9 debut season.
- Fit for UNLV: Promising. Huss’s fast-paced, guard-driven system could excite UNLV fans, and his youth (39) brings energy. Limited high-major experience is a question mark.
- Likelihood: High. Huss is early in his career and could view UNLV as a springboard. High Point’s smaller budget and profile make it less likely to retain him if a bigger program calls. He’s a rising star UNLV could snag.
---
### Bucky McMillan (Samford)
- Current Status: McMillan’s frenetic “Bucky Ball” has Samford at 18-5 in 2024-25 after a 29-6 season. He’s 77-25 since 2020.
- Fit for UNLV: Excellent. His chaotic, high-scoring style could revive UNLV’s Runnin’ Rebels identity and thrill fans. He’s untested at the high-major level, but the fit is electric.
- Likelihood: Moderate. McMillan signed an extension after 2023-24, showing loyalty to Samford, but a breakout NCAA run could make him a hot commodity. UNLV’s resources and tradition might sway him if he’s ready to leap.
---
### Conclusion
- Most Likely to Join UNLV: Will Wade and Alan Huss stand out. Wade’s proven he can win big and might be ready for a high-major return, while Huss’s upward trajectory makes him a prime candidate for a jump. Bryce Drew is a close third if he’s lured by a bigger stage.
- Toughest to Get: Ben McCollum (too new at Drake) and Casey Alexander (rooted at Belmont) seem least likely to move now.
- Best Fits: Wade, Drew, and McMillan align best with UNLV’s up-tempo heritage and fan expectations.
UNLV’s success in landing any of these coaches hinges on offering a compelling vision, competitive pay (likely $2-3 million annually), and NIL support to compete in the transfer portal era. Wade feels like the top target—his track record and hunger for redemption could make him the spark UNLV needs. Huss and Drew are strong fallback options with high upside. The Rebels should act decisively post-season to capitalize on their potential availability.
