UNLV men’s basketball head coach Josh Pastner definitely had people talking after he said he was looking for an “owner” for the Runnin’ Rebels, but he quickly walked those comments back Monday, trying to clarify that the program isn’t actually “for sale.” Just days after his initial remarks, Pastner issued a statement claiming his reference was simply a “figure of speech,” but the internet was already buzzing.
The $12 Million Reality of College Hoops
So what was Pastner even getting at? He was trying to highlight the massive level of resources, sponsorships, and overall support needed to actually compete in today’s wild college athletics landscape, especially with the NIL era in full swing. He told KTNV last week that the program desperately needs an investor to keep up. He dropped a number that should make any college hoops fan cringe: a cool $12 million. That’s the kind of check, Pastner argued, that lets you go toe-to-toe with the Kentuckys, Dukes, Arizonas, and UCLAs of the world for any player you want. The disparity is stark, too. Pastner noted, “if another school offers someone $1 million and our budget only allows us $100,000, it doesn’t matter how much the kid likes me.” It’s a brutal reality check on what it takes to stay relevant.
From NBA Dreams to Rebel Realities
Even wilder? Pastner was out there telling people to skip buying a potential NBA team in Las Vegas if one ever lands there. He literally said, “why buy the NBA team? Buy the college basketball team,” figuring you could be the “owner” of the Rebels for “a lot less expensive.” Naturally, he had to dial it back, insisting, “It is an honor to serve as head coach of the Runnin’ Rebels. This program belongs to UNLV, its students, alumni, fans and the Southern Nevada community as it always will.” Pastner is heading into his second season with the Runnin’ Rebels after being hired last offseason. His first campaign at UNLV finished with an 18-17 record, adding to his previous head coaching stints at Memphis and Georgia Tech.
The Runnin’ Rebels, who famously won the national championship way back in 1990, haven’t made the NCAA tournament since 2013. The question now is whether Pastner’s push for “support” can get them back to relevancy without another eyebrow-raising “owner” comment. It’s a tightrope walk for sure, and all eyes will be on UNLV this season.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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