So, Marvin Menzies interviewed for the head coaching job at UNLV but was passed over in favor of Chris Beard, who was hired but then left for Texas Tech and then Menzies was interviewed again, almost passed over in favor of George Karl but ultimately hired in Las Vegas.
Got it? Okay, yeah, we’re caught up.
But here’s the thing about Menzies and his new job: Winning on the court is only half of the battle. The truth is, UNLV fans, boosters, and alumni are among the most demanding in the nation. They don’t just expect their program to be good, they expect it to be great. That’s why, no matter his recruiting success, Dave Rice couldn’t win over their love and support in the end. But it isn’t just that they want to be great on the court. They want someone dynamic and electrifying off the court as well. They want the program to have a certain style, a certain swagger.
While at New Mexico State, Menzies didn’t win by recruiting the most dynamic athletes and playing at a fast tempo, the kind of blueprint UNLV long used to its advantage and a style that the program’s biggest supporters want to see again–they are the Runnin’ Rebels, after all. He was successful because of his ability to recruit size and point out the weakness of his competition.
Things will be different for him in Las Vegas, with the likes of San Diego State, New Mexico, and Boise State all being more than formidable opponents. Perhaps he will have to change his philosophies. Perhaps he won’t. Either way, pleasing this fan base will be his first order of duty before he roams the sidelines at the Thomas & Mack for the first time.
Want to give your comments about this article? You can either leave them here or you can join us on the Get More Sports Forum and talk about this article and many more! Brag about your favorite team, argue about an athlete’s performance or tell us about a game you saw. Join a new community of sports fans who live and breathe sports and sports entertainment. It’s free! Join now!
