UNLV Runnin' Rebels Head Coach Pastner Sees 'Bigger Rebuild Than I Thought'

Pastner discusses the challenges of rebuilding the once-great UNLV basketball program in Las Vegas.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 3:15pm

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UNLV Runnin' Rebels head coach Josh Pastner took over the program this offseason and has faced an uphill battle to rebuild the once-dominant team. Pastner spoke about the challenges of trying to rebuild the fan base and win attention in a crowded Las Vegas sports market, as well as the team's struggles to protect their home court this season.

Why it matters

The UNLV Runnin' Rebels were once one of the top college basketball programs in the country, but have fallen on hard times in recent years. Pastner's comments provide insight into the difficulties of trying to revive a storied program in a competitive sports landscape like Las Vegas.

The details

Pastner said he recognized the rebuild was 'bigger than I thought' after seeing the small crowds at UNLV home games, which can 'look like there's a lot of empty seats' even with a good turnout. He acknowledged the team has 'not done a good enough job this year of protecting home court' and that winning is key to drawing more fans, but also emphasized the importance of showing progress and 'grit and toughness' in the short term.

  • Pastner took over as UNLV's head coach this offseason.

The players

Josh Pastner

The head coach of the UNLV Runnin' Rebels men's basketball team, who is working to rebuild the once-dominant program.

UNLV Runnin' Rebels

The men's basketball team at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, which was once a powerhouse program but has fallen on hard times in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“This was an eye-opening experience for me. I did every media obligation there is. I spoke to any group that wanted me to speak... Every single second of my mindset was selling the program.”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV Runnin' Rebels (SI.com)

“We walk out on the court, and there's probably about 1,000 people in the stands. I knew this was going to be a rebuild. But then I recognized it was going to be a bigger rebuild than I thought.”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV Runnin' Rebels (SI.com)

“I understand in this city you have a lot of options. … Games are on television, you have things on your phones. It's a different time. And even a good crowd, it can look like there's a lot of empty seats. I get it. So it's my responsibility to try to keep building and having people come to enjoy their team.”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV Runnin' Rebels (SI.com)

“We have not done a good enough job this year of protecting home court. There's just no denying that.”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV Runnin' Rebels (SI.com)

“Winning solves everything. Competing for championships solves everything. I get that. But in the short term, you're trying to just have people say, 'OK, I see what you're trying to do, about the grit and toughness.'”

— Josh Pastner, Head Coach, UNLV Runnin' Rebels (SI.com)

What’s next

The Runnin' Rebels will have a chance to improve their home record when they take on the New Mexico Lobos in their next game.

The takeaway

Pastner's comments highlight the significant challenges of rebuilding a once-dominant college basketball program in a crowded sports market like Las Vegas, where the team must not only improve on the court but also work to re-engage a fan base that has dwindled in recent years.