UNLV men bringing back legend who helped win NCAA title

Dana Becker

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UNLV men bringing back legend who helped win NCAA title image

To keep up with the top NCAA men's basketball programs in the country, UNLV is looking to the past. The Running' Rebels have hired Stacey Augmon as the Director of Community Engagement.

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Augmon was part of the 1990 NCAA championship team for the Runnin' Rebels along with making two Final Four appearances in 1990 and '91. He will help Josh Pastner try to rebuild the program into what it was under Jerry Tarkanian.

"I am thrilled to return to UNLV and will do anthing I can to help our program," Augmon said in a press release from the school. "I am committed to connecting with alumni and working closely with our community and university."

Augmon was a three-time winner of the NABC Defensive Player of the Year award and selected as a first team All-American as a senior. He was the 1988 Big West Conference Freshman of the Year and earned league player of the year a season later. 

In 1995, UNLV retired Augmon's No. 32 jersey, as he is one of only four players in school history with 2,000-plus points. This is the second time he has returned to UNLV, as he spent several years as an assistant coach and associate head coach.

Augmon was selected ninth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft by the Atlanta Hawks, having stops with the Detroit Pistons Portland Trail Blazers, Charlotte/New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic. 

"Having Stacey Augmon in our program is invaluable," Pastner said. "His legacy and understanding of the Runnin' Rebels and the Las Vegas community will bring a unique perspective that will greatly benefit our outreach efforts, along with our student-athletes. We are thrilled to have him as part of our team as we work to advance the program."

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Dana Becker

Dana Becker is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. He has been a sports writer since 2000, covering high school sports, the Big 12 and more for On SI, The Fort Dodge Messenger, Mason City Globe-Gazette, Cedar Rapids Gazette and others.