"They were brutal," he said, and that was just what he expected and wanted. Most werent that great. Asked at the Final Four news conference about his mentor's comments, Krzyzewski laughed it off. UNLV Rebels Men's. Roster and Stats. There was expected to be great turnover on the UNLV basketball roster after a disappointing 12-15 season. Yet the Rebels were untouchable, outscoring opponents by nearly 30 points on average. Radio Broadcast InformationCreighton (18-11, 12-6 BIG EAST) plays its final home game of the regular-season on Wednesday, March 1, when it hosts Georgetown (7-23, 2-17 BIG EAST). Lets pick a winner in every mens college basketball conference tournament. We won some. Baker, Trey UNLV came down . Any of them could have left early for the NBA, but they returned to try for title No. On that night 30 years ago, Anthony was asked after the game to put into words what had just taken place. The Rebels met Duke in back-to-back Final Fours in 1990 and 91. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Krzyzewski had said goodbye to Phil Henderson and Alaa Abdelnaby from the previous year's team, but he still had Christian Laettner, Thomas Hill, Bobby Hurley, Billy McCaffrey and Brian Davis. As motivation, Krzyzewski told his players in a brief aside that his 1985-86 team, which lost the national championship to Louisville, was the best collective he had coached. We had been in close games. The Blue Devils opened the game against UNLV by making their first five shots and taking a 15-8 lead. After a freshman season at Georgia Spencer transferred to Connors State Junior College. UNLV defeated the Aggies 84-82 thanks in part to two technical fouls called on the Utah State crowd. Thats like saying the 1983 North Carolina State Wolfpacks victory over Phi Slamma Jamma meant they were better. The NCAA had announced in August 1990 that due to recruiting violations committed by Tarkanian and UNLV beginning in 1977 (yes, 77), the school would be banned from the 1991 NCAA Championship. Before the 1990 season Ackles injured his wrist in a pickup game and redshirted. On March 2, 1991, the UNLV Runnin Rebelscoached by perennial NCAA-tormentor Jerry Tarkanian and led by future NBA first rounders Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, and Greg Anthonyfinished off a perfect regular season. But what makes them different than, say, 83 Houston, 85 Georgetown or 99 Duke? They were ranked No. You call getting a bogus and now famous Duke charging call that resulted in UNLV Greg Anthonys foul disqualification better? With their black sneakers, anti-establishment attitude and gold fronts, Jerry Tarkanians Rebels embodied youth and hip hop culture2Pac rocked the schools gear in the"Brendas Got a Baby" videobefore the Fab Five even existed. 2023 Duke Athletics. UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian: This win is for the kids, but mostly its for the state of Nevada. These publications were digitized by Digital Scholarship@UNLV staff from copies held in . With 1991 UNLV there was absolutely no disputing it. Justin Webster called the Rebels 91-66 loss Wednesday to Utah State the worst game hes ever played in during his basketball career. Brown, Josh All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. Solid scorer; a starter at any other school. 103-73. Running their offense above the three-point line created spacing for Hill, who befuddled Johnson with his quickness. My hat off to Coach Tark for getting us to play together and play that hard all the time. After blowout loss, UNLV refocuses for rivalry game with UNR, Lady Rebels rally to complete perfect run through Mountain West, Its been a blessing: UNLV honors seniors ahead of Utah State game, Layup in final seconds gives Rebels victory over Air Force, A privilege: Lady Rebels celebrate banner with fans after blowout, UNLV hopes practice pays off against Air Forces Princeton style, Lady Rebels want fans to help honor history with banner ceremony. In fact, the team that beat them (Connecticut) spent more time on the court as the #1 team in comparison to Duke. Neither team looked the least bit scared. I call this a fact that few can argue, yet there are few that will even take on that argument because of all the variables at play with the hated Runnin Rebels. Gilbert, David UNLVs 91 team remains one of historys absolute best, Prime, socially distanced March Madness viewing spots around the Valley, Nevadans in Congress go to bat for resorts as Biden goes after 'junk fees', Video shows CCSD Police slamming Black teen to ground near school, U2 confirms 2023 MSG Sphere residency in Las Vegas, Father, son open their 17th McDonalds location in Las Vegas, Golden Knights win at Minnesota, but lose Thompson to injury. Coach: Jerry Tarkanian. Palmer, Clay A fourth player, George Ackles, went in the second round. The UNLV-UAB contest capped off a day of basketballa girls game at 12:15, a boys game at 2:15, a matchup between the University of British Columbia and the University of Victoria at 4:30, and then finally UNLV. ", Duke had also added a freshman sensation. Do you have a sports website? Travis Bice: Fan favorite with great perimeter shooting and willing passer with surprising toughness. The tournament was notable for its upsets. "Our attitude was that if we keep it close, the pressure is on them. If you doubled Larry Johnson in the post or tried to collapse the driving lanes of Augmon or Anthony, you paid the price. To make things interesting Coach Jerry Tarkanian always scheduled a tough out of conference schedule that, in 1991, included Arkansas (2), Michigan State (4), and Louisville (23), all top 25 opponents at the time. "As great a team as that UNLV team was, we were a pretty darn good team too," Grant Hill says. This tournament marked the first time a #15 seed upset a #2 seed since the tournament field expanded to 64 teams in 1985, when Richmond accomplished against Syracuse in the East region. 1991 McDonalds All-American Rosters - High School Basketball - RealGM. The tournament also returned to Charlotte in 1991, this time to the new Charlotte Coliseum, then the off-campus home of the Charlotte 49ers men's basketball team. Only Michigans Fab Five in recent memory has captivated the nation like the Rebels did. Plastic Man, with his elastic arms and legs, made it a nightmare for offensive players in an age where defensive player like Shane Battier take acting classes to engage in flopping to gain foul trouble on his match-up. Hunt never seemed to missed big shots, and the Rebels were on a historic run during which they seemed unbeatable until the shot hit the back of the rim and bounced away. UNLV never let down. Johnson earned the Naismith College Player of the Year award. Be sure to subscribe to SB Nation's YouTube channel for highlight videos, features, analysis and more. "I realized I had to play a near perfect game to beat that team," he says. UNLV reeled off its next 16 wins by an average score of 103-71 before encountering what experts forecasted to be an actual challenge, a true road game at Arkansas. UNLV had a 23-point lead late in the second half when Tarkanian pulled his starters, and a 3 at the buzzer for the Razorbacks cut the final margin to 112-105. In the first three rounds, games were shown on a regional basis, except for one game each on Saturday and Sunday in the second round. More School Info. As the sideline reporter assigned to the Duke bench, Brown related to Nantz and Billy Packer that "Coach K wanted his team to get out to a fast start and not allowing his guys a chance to get scared.". The wins came one after another. During the weekend of the second round, the national telecast began at noon, with the regional windows (three on Saturday, two on Sunday) following. At the other end of the floor, however, Duke was overwhelmed on its defensive glass as the Rebels pulled down half of their missed shots and Johnson personally recorded eight offensive boards. Updated December 31, 2020 - 7:44 pm. The Bench Evric Gray: Great college player. Hunt had a sweet shooting stroke, solid perimeter defense and above average athleticism to finish above the rim. Now free to defend its title, UNLV was expected to confront its first real test in December when it played Steve Smith and Michigan State at the two-year-old Palace of Auburn Hills. Why? McCaffrey, Bobby Ackles was an extremely athletic player who often finished around the basket with authority. The semifinal upset also ended the run of one of the most culturally influential college basketball teams ever. This year also saw the final appearance of the Pontiac Silverdome and two former Final Four venues, in Cole Field House and Freedom Hall. Menu. Spencer was considered by many to be a top 25 high school player. We present them here for purely educational purposes. ", 'They need to go to the NBA': UNLV's 45-game win streak was historic, and its end was shocking, Edey leads Wooden finalists; Bama's Miller off list, Indiana's Johnson (foot) won't return this season, Davis 3 shy of Maravich; Detroit eyes CBI bid, Vandy's Robbins out rest of season with leg injury, Sources: High Point fires Smith after one season, Davis out as Bucknell coach after 12-20 season, Grill discloses mental illness after Iowa St. exit, All in the family: how three generations of Jaquezes have ruled West Coast basketball. Its a record that still stands 5th all time. But in looking back at UNLVs historic season, Im overwhelmed by one pervading sentiment: 1991 was such a different time in college sports. We got these dudes because they are taking us lightly. Hes covered high school and UNLVs Anderson Hunt scores a basket as teammate Larry Johnson looks on during an NCAA Tournament first-round win over Montana on March 15,1991. Day responded with a feeble, flailing punch of his own. Have you ever been caught in a rip current, breaking swells pounding around you as youre jerked away from the shore? Duke, coached by Mike Krzyzewski, won a rematch of the previous year's . But he picked up his dribble and passed to Hunt, who was about 30 feet from the basket. Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, Greg Anthony, Anderson Hunt, George Ackles and their teammates would enter the 1991 Final Four having trailed their opponents for a total of just one minute and 20 seconds in any second half all season. Iwuakor, Michael Or write about sports? KOZN (1620 AM) and KOOO (101.9 FM) will carry all Creighton men's basketball games during the 2022-23 season. 2 under their Hall of Fame coach. Buckley, Brandon Im so happy for all of them. On March 2, 1991, the UNLV Runnin' Rebelscoached by perennial NCAA-tormentor Jerry Tarkanian and led by future NBA first rounders Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon, and Greg Anthonyfinished off a perfect regular season. For a guarantee of $75,000, UNLV played its season opener at B.C. Ray Brewer, a proud local, has been part of Greenspun Media Group since the mid-1990s. The team had only trailed for 38 minutes during the entire campaign. On the court Duke trained for UNLV's length, athleticism and speed. Get the latest news, stats and more about Quez Wright on RealGM.com For the second time, Indianapolis was the host of the Final Four, this time at the Hoosier Dome, which would host the Final Four three more times. And all five UNLV starters would be recognized as All-Americans (Augmon and Johnson as First Teamers; the rest as Honorable Mentions) for their efforts. Nine players from this past year's team have entered the transfer portal. We definitely werent backing down from anyone. In addition, Hunt was sensational from both sides of the arc and would lead all scorers with 29 points. "We were basically outplayed," he said, "but I still think we're part of history. For those who think the argument ends with the fact they didnt win. With its combination of perimeter shooting and interior mastery, UNLV appeared to be a complete and possibly even invulnerable team. This was the first NCAA Tournament to feature all four of the, The Final Four was also the first to include both halves of the. UNLV had reason to be confident entering the 1991 national semifinal game. How about Canada? Laettner would make two free throws the 12.7 seconds remaining via a controversial over-the-back call against Evric Gray and UNLVs dynasty would end when Anderson Hunts off-balance 3-point attempt over Hurley wasnt close. Richmond became the . The Hogs even held the halftime lead. 1991 UNLV Roll Call: The Starters. "I looked over at Brian [Davis] and said, We got these MF's. Senior Director of Basketball Administration & Alumni Relations, Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball and Volleyball, Allegiant Stadium - UNLV Football Fan Guide, TicketSmarter - Official Ticket Resale Partner, Hide/Show Additional Information For Victor Iwuakor, Hide/Show Additional Information For Michael Nuga, Hide/Show Additional Information For Justin Webster, Hide/Show Additional Information For Donovan Williams, Hide/Show Additional Information For Jordan McCabe, Hide/Show Additional Information For Keshon Gilbert, Hide/Show Additional Information For David Muoka, Hide/Show Additional Information For Bryce Hamilton. Christin Hinton. 2 in the nation and standing at 22-1 behind stars Oliver Miller and Todd Day -- had been camping out in front of Fayetteville's Barnhill Arena for a full week in advance of the game, and Rebels coach Jerry Tarkanian sought to put the tent city to good use for his own team. And it wasnt really that close. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. UNLV basketball scores, news, schedule, players, stats, photos, rumors, depth charts on RealGM.com . The Rebels sank three resulting free throws, and a win streak was born even as trouble loomed off the court. Hartman, Tim Larry Varnado Jr. Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball and Volleyball. Larry Varnado Jr. Head Strength & Conditioning Coach for Men's Basketball and Volleyball. As the game wore on at timeouts, at halftime we were like, Yo, we can win this.'". Quick Links. After a 113 to 64 humiliation of Fresno State, UNLV stood at 19-0. Greg Anthony: He was quite simply the engine that ran the rebels and quite possibly the most hated Rebel. Bobby Joyce: Great junior college player. And Hurley controlled the tempo, knowing when to attack in transition and when to be patient. We can also describe in great detail the championship game the previous year, a 103-73 victory over Duke. These sites are not endorsed by, sponsored by, or affiliated with with these teams or institutions. Thirty years later, that 79-77 upset loss to Duke in the 1991 Final Four still stings. "I've never watched the game in 30 years," he says. Amazingly these same sports writers who have jumped on Tarkanian throughout his coaching career, especially after his team lost to Duke in 1991, either havent or only lightly brushed the Sam Gilbert connection to Woodens legacy. A LITTLE MORE than three months after the title game, the NCAA ruled that UNLV was indeed ineligible for the 1991 postseason due to violations dating back to 1977. Do you have a blog? Hamilton. UNLV's semi-final loss in the NCAA tournament brought an end to their astounding 45-game win streak. The Rebels eked out a two-point win against surprising No. It was a strange affair. UNLV would eventually reach the national semifinal 30 years ago this weekend having won 45 straight games over a period of 13 months. They put on a show, soaring down the court in transition, and harassing opponents on defense. "I was a fan of theirs," Grant Hill says. The Duke and UNLV programs went on wildly divergent paths following the game. And the big fourAnderson, Augmon, Hunt, and Johnsonwere all coming back. For the first time in tournament history a 15-seed defeated a 2-seed. Duke's gameplan against UNLV mirrored every David's game plan for Goliath: manage the game, be efficient on offense, no fast breaks, no turnovers, be aggressive and sprinkle in a hard foul every once in awhile. Krzyzewski's team would go on to defeat Kansas in the championship game and earn Duke its first national title. Coming off the 1989-1990 title season, UNLV got every teams absolute best shot the next year. He went on to express his view that the Rebels, in effect, played by a different set of rules and that the UNLV program should be investigated from top to bottom, up to and including the players' grades, class attendance, cars and summer jobs. The UNLV mens basketball team got a steal and a layup in the final seconds to rally past Air Force on Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center.