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How UNLV men’s basketball get stuck in a rut

New UNLV men’s basketball coach Chris Beard faces territory that was foreign to many of his predecessors.

Ahead of him are issues that where non-existent in 2004 when then-athletic director Mike Hamrick turned to special adviser, former Rebels AD Brad Rothermel for advice on the next coach to hire.

“I would try to hire Lon Kruger if I could,” Rothermel told Hamrick. “I’ve known him for a long time and his wife and family for a long time. I believe he can win here.”

Kruger got the job. He built on the stability that had been established under predecessor Charlie Spoonhour.