Revolution on the Field- Unveiling the 1990 Roster of the Unlv Runnin’ Rebels

Unlv Runnin’ Rebels 1990 Roster: A Look Back at a Pivotal Year in College Basketball History

The 1990-1991 season was a banner year for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Runnin’ Rebels basketball team. Known for their dynamic style of play and a roster filled with future NBA stars, the Runnin’ Rebels made a significant impact on the college basketball landscape. This article takes a closer look at the 1990 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels roster, highlighting the key players who contributed to the team’s success during that pivotal season.

Head Coach Jerry Tarkanian

The man behind the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels’ success was head coach Jerry Tarkanian, affectionately known as “Tark the Shark.” Tarkanian was known for his fiery personality and innovative coaching style, which helped shape the Runnin’ Rebels into a dominant force in college basketball. Under his guidance, the team achieved numerous milestones, including a national championship in 1990.

Key Players on the 1990 Roster

The 1990 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels roster was a who’s who of future NBA stars. Here are some of the standout players from that season:

1. Reggie Theus: The team’s star guard, Reggie Theus, led the Runnin’ Rebels in scoring and was a key player in their championship run. Theus was later drafted first overall by the Chicago Bulls in the 1991 NBA Draft.

2. Stacy Augmon: A versatile forward, Stacy Augmon was a defensive standout for UNLV. Augmon was a two-time All-American and was drafted by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1992 NBA Draft.

3. Billingsley: The team’s starting center, Billingsley was a dominant force inside. He was a two-time All-American and was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the 1991 NBA Draft.

4. Mike Richardson: Another key forward for UNLV, Richardson was a two-time All-American and was drafted by the Chicago Bulls in the 1991 NBA Draft.

5. Larry Johnson: The Runnin’ Rebels’ power forward, Larry Johnson, was a dominant inside presence. Johnson was a two-time All-American and was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the 1991 NBA Draft.

6. Andre Miller: A guard who provided the team with a steady presence, Miller was a two-time All-American and was drafted by the Denver Nuggets in the 1991 NBA Draft.

Season Recap

The 1990-1991 season was a historic one for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. The team finished the regular season with a perfect 30-0 record, setting a then-NCAA record for the longest winning streak. They went on to win the national championship, defeating Duke in the championship game. The Runnin’ Rebels’ success in 1990-1991 is often credited with helping to revitalize the popularity of college basketball in the United States.

Legacy of the 1990 Roster

The 1990 UNLV Runnin’ Rebels roster left an indelible mark on the college basketball world. The players who donned the Runnin’ Rebels’ uniform that season went on to have successful careers in the NBA, with many of them becoming Hall of Famers. The team’s dynamic style of play and the leadership of coach Tarkanian helped to establish UNLV as a powerhouse in college basketball, and the 1990 roster will always be remembered as one of the greatest in the sport’s history.