LAS VEGAS, Nev. (FOX5) – UNLV has named a new head coach for its men’s basketball program.
UNLV athletic director Erick Harper announced Tuesday Josh Pastner will lead the Runnin’ Rebels’ next chapter. He brings 14 seasons of experience to the team.
Pastner comes to the team after spending the past two years as a sports television analyst. Before that, he served as a head coach for two other teams, Georgia Tech and Memphis.
Pastner, 47, has an overall record of 276-187 over 14 seasons.
Among his accomplishments, Pastner led Georgia Tech to its first ACC Championship since 1993 and first NCAA Tournament berth since 2010. Over at Memphis, the illustrious coach led the team to five postseason appearances.
“We are thrilled to welcome Coach Pastner to the UNLV Family as he takes the helm of the Runnin’ Rebel Basketball program,” Harper said. “I have had the pleasure of knowing Josh for over 20 years, following his remarkable career from Arizona to Memphis and Georgia Tech. He is a fearless and relentless recruiter with success as a head coach, and is also an exceptional communicator, deeply committed to engaging with the Las Vegas community. Furthermore, Josh is committed to connecting with Runnin’ Rebel alumni, ensuring that everyone feels involved in the program’s success. We are confident that he will lead us to win championships and return the Runnin’ Rebels to the NCAA Tournament.”
Pastner was a student-athlete on the 1997 National Championship team at Arizona and was an assistant coach at Arizona. While at the university he earned his bachelor’s degree in family studies.
Coach Pastner comes to Las Vegas with his wife and five children.
He will be introduced formally at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at Thomas & Mack Center’s Strip View Pavilion.
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