UNLV Rebels

The UNLV Rebels are the intercollegiate athletics teams of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV). The university is a member of the Mountain West Conference and competes in NCAA Division I.

UNLV’s athletic program began with its first intercollegiate basketball game against Cal State Los Angeles on December 3, 1968. The team originally competed as an independent before joining the Big West Conference in 1982–83 season and then again from 2000-01 through 2004-05 seasons when it moved to the Mountain West Conference. In addition to men’s basketball, UNLV fields sixteen other varsity sports including baseball, softball, football, soccer, swimming & diving among many others that make up its “Rebels” nickname.

As part of their “Runnin’ Rebel” identity since 1973; UNLV has been nationally recognized for its men’s basketball program which ranks third all time in wins by any division 1 school behind only Kentucky and Kansas respectively; having won over 800 games since 1970 under three National Championships coaches: Jerry Tarkanian (1973-1992), Lon Kruger(2004-2011) ,and current head coach Marvin Menzies (2016 – present). They have also appeared 12 times in national postseason tournaments like NCAA tournament or NIT while making six Final Four appearances winning once during 1989 where they defeated Seton Hall 103–73 becoming one of two schools outside East Coast Basketball Association universities competing at this stage along with Arizona Wildcats who would reach championship game that year but lost to Michigan Wolverines 80–79 .

Other than success achieved on court there were few controversies involving Runnin’ Rebels such as violations committed by some players leading into early 1990s resulting into probation period issued by NCAA causing them to be ineligible for post season play between 1991 until 1995 however those events had no effect on long term reputation built around this team during decades before after most successful run ever happened through late 1980s early 90s . This includes hall fame inductions made throughout years featuring names like Reggie Theus , Larry Johnson , Stacey Augmon amongst notable alumni who helped create what we now know today about Runnin’ Rebels tradition known globally especially across United States due popularity gained due consistent appearance made within college rankings polls each year giving fans reason cheer even more loudly everytime these athletes take floor inside Thomas Mack Center located near campus area hosting all home games played here currently alongside summer league showdowns held annually showcasing best talent coming out high schools nationwide playing 2 months worth competitive matchups attracting public attention from both media outlets local businesses alike creating unique atmosphere not found anywhere else locally speaking .