Augmon accepts offer to be UNLV basketball assistant coach

Twenty years ago, Stacey Augmon left UNLV when its basketball program was a national power. He is returning to help rebuild it.

One of the greatest players in Rebels history, Augmon said Tuesday he is "excited" about coming back to his alma mater as an assistant coach.

"It will be great to be back in the city where we were part of a dynasty," Augmon said. "I am anxious to get started working with the young talent that is currently on the team and to help take the program to the next level."

Augmon is the third assistant to join the staff of UNLV coach Dave Rice, who was hired April 11 and immediately extended a job offer to Augmon.

Rice and Augmon, teammates on the 1990 NCAA championship team and 1991 Final Four team, were reunited after Augmon spent some time contemplating a move from the NBA. Augmon just completed his fourth year as a Denver Nuggets assistant for player development.

"Stacey brings tremendous credibility to our program. With his coaching experience, he's a multitalented guy who has a lot of strengths," Rice said. "It was obvious what a great player he was, but what really stood out to me was his commitment to winning and what a terrific teammate he was."

Augmon, who earned his bachelor's degree in social work from UNLV in 1991, ranks No. 3 on the school's all-time scoring list, finishing with 2,011 points in a career that spanned from 1987 to 1991.

But for several years after former Rebels coach Jerry Tarkanian was ousted in 1992, Augmon kept his distance from UNLV. Tarkanian said any hard feelings Augmon might have had were "patched up" and in the past.

"I'm very happy. I think Stacey will do a great, great job for Dave," Tarkanian said. "It's a good move on Dave's part. He's got a great staff. Stacey has been a player development coach, so he'll make them better, and he'll be a big name on the staff."

Rice previously added Justin Hutson and Heath Schroyer as assistants. Hutson, the Rebels' associate head coach, was hired from San Diego State on April 11. Schroyer, fired in February as Wyoming's coach, was hired Friday. All of the assistants have one-year contracts, and Rice said details of Augmon's contract will be released soon by UNLV.

Rice said he expects to name a director of basketball operations by next week and has "several" candidates.

Two candidates are Jay Spoonhour, head coach at Moberly (Mo.) Community College and UNLV's interim coach for the final 10 games in 2004, and Findlay Prep coach Michael Peck.

The financial aspects of Augmon's deal were not an issue. Augmon and his wife, Leslye, have seven children, and relocating was a concern.

"Stacey is very much a family man, and he wanted to figure things out with his wife and do what was best for his family," Rice said.

Augmon joined the Nuggets' coaching staff after a 15-year NBA playing career. He was the ninth overall draft pick by the Atlanta Hawks in 1991.

Augmon, a Pasadena, Calif., native, was a first-team All-American as a Rebels senior and was honored as the nation's top defender each of his last three seasons. His jersey No. 32 was retired by the school on Dec. 18, 1995.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.