Kevin

[j. spilotro]

I'm going to be honest, this is the season that broke me as Runnin' Rebel fan. I'm not a glass half full guy on the best of days, but I just don't see how anyone can get any optimism from this current regime. I think this offense is actually worse than Marv's offense. I think we are laden with tweeners and incomplete players and don't have any 'system' that we seem to be building a roster for. Kev's got his dad's stubborn propensity to play favorites despite having players who easily are better eye-test guys. Thomas is a really nice piece, I think that Pape and Hicks have some nice upside with development and other than that I can't see anyone else who really deserves a roster spot. Hill is a tweener who doesn't do anything terribly or very well, Henley at least plays a little defense and can slash a bit. Bedford was brought in to be a scoring wing and he simply isn't and a poor defender. Whaley is a tweener and is always hurt. Rishwain would be fine in a Travis Bice 12-15 minute role as a shooter but he's definitely not a starter on a top 50 team. Bear Cherry can't stay out of foul trouble and can't handle a big with a pulse on either end of the post. Bannarbie might have some upside, but he's got that super fast hook and he's definitely got some freshmen tendencies. I would have thought that Evans could have provided some bench offense to this team especially after the wing injuries we've been through but you leave the RS on him like your job is on the line. Jace Whiting is too small to be a wing, too slow to be a point, and has been hurt.

Roster construction, offensive and defensive cohesive philosophies, set plays, clock management, recruiting, development, understanding the feel of the game--someone tell me what Kevin does well? I can't see any real growth in any of these areas. This is the modern era of college hoops. It doesn't take more than 4 years to get performance out of a team. Kevin has been screaming what he is for 3.5 years and I just wonder if the front office is finally going to listen and move on. Honestly, this kills me to say--but my worst nightmare is that Kevin goes on a run and somehow saves his job and gets an extension. I never even reached that point with Marv, and while I think Marv was actually worse than Kevin because he had a TON of high level assistant and some lower level head coaching success, Kevin never did anything to heal the wounds that Marv inflicted.

I'm not even watching the games that get recorded to my DVR right now.

And you actually are one of the more balanced fans, probably even lean a little bit optimistic … I thank you for the post because I see things exactly as you do. I think it’s obvious. And when I see counters that aren’t close to what I think is obvious, I think agenda of some sort, even the kumbaya krew has to see the myriad of flaws with not a single strong positive.

I never thought we could do worse than Menzies. Otz was similar but he was disinterested and a known short timer, so I didn’t like his teams either, but I don’t think he was as bad as Menzies. Let’s remember, Menzies was at the bottom of the D list for UNLV and he got the job because he was last man standing. Not a soul in the fanbase or even admin wanted him at all - but what they wanted even less was the continued embarrassment of the botched mid season firing/messy hiring process.

Not his first team, that was a mess. And even though I didn’t like his next two teams, they were a little better, a little worse than KK’s …. But that we are comparing current to the potential worst ever … splitting hairs doesn’t matter, that there is any viable comparison is more than enough.

I don’t want KK to lose but understand what you’re saying … anytime we have a bad setback, we don’t recover. Switching coaches all the time just doesn’t work except for USU. I’d rather Kevin “gets it” and we move forward in the right direction, but my confidence level of that is zero. And your first inkling is offseason transfers/recruiting. If you’re going to battle NMSU/Irvine and Northridge for players, it’s going to be more the same. You need talent, one trick pony players need to be your 8-11 guys, not 2-5.

Thanks for the post.

 

[rebel5280]

I get it.
That Boise game was tough to get fired up about since we don’t have the talent or desire to compete with them (and I don’t think they are a top 50 team per my eye test). Sure, they looked like a FF playing us, but so do worse teams.

Dedan would be better in a better system. Pape could develop. I agree with the rest not standing out (I’m not a big Hicks guy but won’t squabble over that).

Agree!

Hicks is an “out of control” type that is typical for UNLV recruits!

By the time he learns how to play, he will be a freaking senior, we would be lucky to get 1 decent season out of him!

 

[Rebel1986]

And you actually are one of the more balanced fans, probably even lean a little bit optimistic … I thank you for the post because I see things exactly as you do. I think it’s obvious. And when I see counters that aren’t close to what I think is obvious, I think agenda of some sort, even the kumbaya krew has to see the myriad of flaws with not a single strong positive.

I never thought we could do worse than Menzies. Otz was similar but he was disinterested and a known short timer, so I didn’t like his teams either, but I don’t think he was as bad as Menzies. Let’s remember, Menzies was at the bottom of the D list for UNLV and he got the job because he was last man standing. Not a soul in the fanbase or even admin wanted him at all - but what they wanted even less was the continued embarrassment of the botched mid season firing/messy hiring process.

Not his first team, that was a mess. And even though I didn’t like his next two teams, they were a little better, a little worse than KK’s …. But that we are comparing current to the potential worst ever … splitting hairs doesn’t matter, that there is any viable comparison is more than enough.

I don’t want KK to lose but understand what you’re saying … anytime we have a bad setback, we don’t recover. Switching coaches all the time just doesn’t work except for USU. I’d rather Kevin “gets it” and we move forward in the right direction, but my confidence level of that is zero. And your first inkling is offseason transfers/recruiting. If you’re going to battle NMSU/Irvine and Northridge for players, it’s going to be more the same. You need talent, one trick pony players need to be your 8-11 guys, not 2-5.

Thanks for the post.

I really thought he was starting to get it at the end of the year in the NIT, but the last game in the NIT where UNLV was blown out started to sour me to the possibility he would figure things out, and so far this entire year has been cringe worthy!

 

[RebelScrub]

The writing on the wall was when Waley sat out for more money lol

 

[Rebel Hoya]

I’m sorry but I’m sick and tired of Kevin embarrassing us. Embarrassing Las Vegas. Embarrassing himself. Please resign.

Spoon resigned after that Mizzou game! Respect for that.

 

[j. spilotro]

Spoon resigned after that Mizzou game! Respect for that.

I think that was to give Jay a shot at retaining the job. Hopefully a good run, maybe he’d get consideration, just trying to set his kid up.

He was about 15-20 years too early for that.

 

[WarthogRebel]

I think that was to give Jay a shot at retaining the job. Hopefully a good run, maybe he’d get consideration, just trying to set his kid up.

He was about 15-20 years too early for that.

Not saying he should get the job but I think there is little doubt Jay could do better than CKK. ( Currently an assistant for Cuanzo Martin at Missouri State )

 

[bcvegaspt2]

Not saying he should get the job but I think there is little doubt Jay could do better than CKK. ( Currently an assistant for Cuanzo Martin at Missouri State )

I think that Joe was hinting at the nepotism more than Jay's ability. From what I remember, he did a good job having the team push the tempo. He coached (then) to the Runnin' name.

That being said, could you imagine if we hire an assistant from small school Midwest as our HC? I don't care that he was here before. Harper would crush any goodwill from the last 2+ years in football and WBB.

 

[Rebel1986]

I think that Joe was hinting at the nepotism more than Jay's ability. From what I remember, he did a good job having the team push the tempo. He coached (then) to the Runnin' name.

That being said, could you imagine if we hire an assistant from small school Midwest as our HC? I don't care that he was here before. Harper would crush any goodwill from the last 2+ years in football and WBB.

I do not think it would matter who he hired as the new BB coach, it would do very little to crush his goodwill considering that there are 25 football fans for every basketball fans, and anything that currently happens in basketball is a non-event until they actually find a coach that can turn the program around. A good hire by Harper would give him some bonus point with a great hire doing even more, but a bad hire wouldn't really move the needle in either direction that much.

 

[unlove]

Anyone with a fire in their belly would be preferable to what we have now. It seems that we haven’t had a coach who drove the team hard and played a hard-nosed brand of basketball in forever. Show some f’n pride. Rice (Boise) and Alford are dickheads but at least they have some passion.
Now I see promotions of the program that include Lon Kruger and attempt to imply a “UNLV Family” and my first thought was that’s Lon trying to save his son’s job. This isn’t some mid-level government job protected by the public employees union. Results on the court need to drive the outcome.

 

[j. spilotro]

I think that Joe was hinting at the nepotism more than Jay's ability. From what I remember, he did a good job having the team push the tempo. He coached (then) to the Runnin' name.

That being said, could you imagine if we hire an assistant from small school Midwest as our HC? I don't care that he was here before. Harper would crush any goodwill from the last 2+ years in football and WBB.

Jay was actually a good, capable coach. I think his dad set up here, hoping for that smallest chance. It didn’t sacrifice a season, in fact, we did better once Spoon stepped down. But it wasn’t a four year experiment that crushes the fans will more … I think with Jay, we weren’t great, can’t remember what his record was as opposed to where it was … but it was better and we made a run to the MWCT championship and I think we lost to Utah on a Jacobsen buzzer beater? That’s the tourney where Nuke (Demetrius Hunter) had that massive dunk over the top of the 6-8 guy from CSU.

I understand a dad trying to pave the way for his children. If you built your career so strongly, the opportunity will be there and I think every dad would give their kid the chance.

 

[j. spilotro]

Jay was actually a good, capable coach. I think his dad set up here, hoping for that smallest chance. It didn’t sacrifice a season, in fact, we did better once Spoon stepped down. But it wasn’t a four year experiment that crushes the fans will more … I think with Jay, we weren’t great, can’t remember what his record was as opposed to where it was … but it was better and we made a run to the MWCT championship and I think we lost to Utah on a Jacobsen buzzer beater? That’s the tourney where Nuke (Demetrius Hunter) had that massive dunk over the top of the 6-8 guy from CSU.

I understand a dad trying to pave the way for his children. If you built your career so strongly, the opportunity will be there and I think every dad would give their kid the chance.

Kevin had some HC experience before coming here; JC … I think it was Wabash JC and they were a good team. I remember he had a player that we wanted badly, he may have been the JC POY … Atwaine Barbour? We were hoping he would follow Jay here but Kentucky had an NIL and we didn’t. He didn’t amount to much at Kentucky, played sparingly, the popped around the CBA/NBDL and the globe.

I got to know Jay a little bit, I liked him on a personal level. I remember sitting with him at maybe Valley HS for some tournament or game, the staff scouting Jason Pertimoulx. Jason only played one year here but was a pretty solid PG IIRC.

 

[lvrebalum2012]

Watching the UNM-SDSU game. Looks like a sellout for UNM.

Makes it evident how far we’ve fallen from where we used to be.

It’s awesome football has taken such a step up, but I miss the environment of a full (or semi full) T&M this time of year.

The end of the year will be the time to make a change. Hopefully Harper can keep his hot streak going with hires.

 

[rebel5280]

Watching the UNM-SDSU game. Looks like a sellout for UNM.

Makes it evident how far we’ve fallen from where we used to be.

It’s awesome football has taken such a step up, but I miss the environment of a full (or semi full) T&M this time of year.

The end of the year will be the time to make a change. Hopefully Harper can keep his hot streak going with hires.

Too bad we have to suffer through this season with no hope!

 

[j. spilotro]

Too bad we have to suffer through this season with no hope!

I don’t think fans are suffering. Not many anyway.

Nobody is paying attention.

 

[Meister_Rebel]

Watching the UNM-SDSU game. Looks like a sellout for UNM.

Makes it evident how far we’ve fallen from where we used to be.

It’s awesome football has taken such a step up, but I miss the environment of a full (or semi full) T&M this time of year.

The end of the year will be the time to make a change. Hopefully Harper can keep his hot streak going with hires.

I wouldn't say it's a hot streak. We've gone from an NCAA Tournament Volleyball appearance to not even making it into the MWC Tournament. I'll give it another season but, I don't like what I'm seeing.

edit: Should have mentioned that Harper hired the latest VB coach.

 

[rebelzzz]

March 10th, 58 days from today. Will be the last game of the year for the Rebels and hopefully the pink slip already filled out and giving to little k the same day.

 

[Rosegreen1]

Crazy how Rice got canned after a few close losses, I think like 9 points in three games and here we are at the end of a 4 year experiment with consecutive blowout losses.

 

[Rebel1986]

Crazy how Rice got canned after a few close losses, I think like 9 points in three games and here we are at the end of a 4 year experiment with consecutive blowout losses.

But CSU is a top 25 team!!!! 🤣

 

[j. spilotro]

If we drop the next one, that’s three conference games in a row. (We have consistently lost 3 conference games in a row for many seasons, if I’m not mistaken).

In Rice’s last season, that’s when he was fired.

Up until now, UNLV has no good wins and have been uncompetitive in conference.

Before Rice was fired, in OOC they showed ok in Maui, close loss to UCLA, beat Indiana, later beat ranked Oregon, both teams advanced into the deep NCAAT.

In our two straight losses in conference, it’s a combined 40 points (so far, if we lose to USU, add onto it).

I’d have to check, but I think Rice lost the three conference games by 5 or 6 points combined.

With Kruger, recruiting is JV level, Rice’s was much better.

So if you were pitchforking when Rice was midseason, it’s hypocritical not to be pitchforking now.

But I’m one who thought mid-season firing was wrong 10 years ago and I think it’s wrong now. Let them finish their season. They didn’t do anything salty, they just didn’t win enough for the fanbase.

 

[bcvegaspt2]

I said elsewhere that the boosters aren’t as passionate now so they won’t likely fire until the end of the season.

 

[XFactorRebel]

We don't need 2-3$M a year. We need 1-2$M a year for someone with a damn clue.

 

[Buffel]

If we drop the next one, that’s three conference games in a row. (We have consistently lost 3 conference games in a row for many seasons, if I’m not mistaken).

In Rice’s last season, that’s when he was fired.

Up until now, UNLV has no good wins and have been uncompetitive in conference.

Before Rice was fired, in OOC they showed ok in Maui, close loss to UCLA, beat Indiana, later beat ranked Oregon, both teams advanced into the deep NCAAT.

In our two straight losses in conference, it’s a combined 40 points (so far, if we lose to USU, add onto it).

I’d have to check, but I think Rice lost the three conference games by 5 or 6 points combined.

With Kruger, recruiting is JV level, Rice’s was much better.

So if you were pitchforking when Rice was midseason, it’s hypocritical not to be pitchforking now.

But I’m one who thought mid-season firing was wrong 10 years ago and I think it’s wrong now. Let them finish their season. They didn’t do anything salty, they just didn’t win enough for the fanbase.

We play Utah st and San Diego St. next so we will lose 4 in a row however firing the coach now would accomplish nothing. Unless we miraculously win the MWC tourney the season is already over. I really wanted Kevin to succeed but he hasn't. Hopefully Harp is already planning for our next coach. They're might some more candidates available after the season. Eas a fan before Tark. Hopefully I live a bit linger to see Rebels play hard again.

 

[SwiftlyT]

i might be wrong but I didn’t see TKM firing anyone on her own accord. Wasn’t it a booster that pressured her? I think the stink of it was, if Rice and Co improved, it would be much harder to fire him.

I do think we live in revisionists history with CDR a bit. His last season was highly frustrating, they were rudderless, but the contrast from then to now, yikes.

Nobody on Kevin’s staff is a candidate so just let him coach out the season, can him like tuna on the probable Friday of the conf tournament, following a round 1 loss, and move on.

I hope I’m wrong and they go on a magician run and develop an offensive and defensive calling card that 100 percent doesn’t exist right now. They are just kind of a collection of AAU kids, going through the motions. That’s on the staff.

 

[j. spilotro]

i might be wrong but I didn’t see TKM firing anyone on her own accord. Wasn’t it a booster that pressured her? I think the stink of it was, if Rice and Co improved, it would be much harder to fire him.

I do think we live in revisionists history with CDR a bit. His last season was highly frustrating, they were rudderless, but the contrast from then to now, yikes.

Nobody on Kevin’s staff is a candidate so just let him coach out the season, can him like tuna on the probable Friday of the conf tournament, following a round 1 loss, and move on.

I hope I’m wrong and they go on a magician run and develop an offensive and defensive calling card that 100 percent doesn’t exist right now. They are just kind of a collection of AAU kids, going through the motions. That’s on the staff.

Yeah, it was more than TMK. They knew the team had enough talent (wouldn’t have happened, injuries to Zimmerman, McCaw, Carter and DJ was ruled ineligible) … but at the time the decision was made, still enough talent, too big of a risk. And the boosters hamstrung recruiting. That’s nit happening as far as I know, team isn’t good enough sans complete fluke, recruiting isn’t good.

But even with as bad as we are, as hopeless as we are - mid season accomplishes nothing. You can a deal done with a non-working coach in the background like we did with Lon, if it’s a working coach you have to wait until seasons end. Of course you can work a working coach in theory (see Odom).

 

[Rosegreen1]

If we drop the next one, that’s three conference games in a row. (We have consistently lost 3 conference games in a row for many seasons, if I’m not mistaken).

In Rice’s last season, that’s when he was fired.

Up until now, UNLV has no good wins and have been uncompetitive in conference.

Before Rice was fired, in OOC they showed ok in Maui, close loss to UCLA, beat Indiana, later beat ranked Oregon, both teams advanced into the deep NCAAT.

In our two straight losses in conference, it’s a combined 40 points (so far, if we lose to USU, add onto it).

I’d have to check, but I think Rice lost the three conference games by 5 or 6 points combined.

With Kruger, recruiting is JV level, Rice’s was much better.

So if you were pitchforking when Rice was midseason, it’s hypocritical not to be pitchforking now.

But I’m one who thought mid-season firing was wrong 10 years ago and I think it’s wrong now. Let them finish their season. They didn’t do anything salty, they just didn’t win enough for the fanbase.

I think we were up BIG on UCLA, like double digits and looked like ucla didn’t belong on the floor with us. That was peak UNLV basketball, post Tark mind you and then it all unravels from there with a bad second half. The flashes were always there with Rice. Unfortunately just didn’t have enough support from an incompetent AD that wilted under pressure.

 

[Rosegreen1]

CKK unlv career is a lot like Hauck on the football side. Mediocre recruiting overall and one postseason appearance followed by a poor season.

 

[SwiftlyT]

CKK unlv career is a lot like Hauck on the football side. Mediocre recruiting overall and one postseason appearance followed by a poor season.

Bobby got us to a bowl game for the first time in 14 years. There was a lot of losing football in the Hauck era, but a bowl game nonetheless. Kevin getting to the NIT last year isn’t a bowl game. Kevin making the dance and going one and done is a better comparison to Bobby’s Heart of Texas Bowl, in my opinion..