Theus backers weigh in with vocal support

With each passing day, UNLV's search for a basketball coach gets more dramatic and intriguing. It is becoming a combination of a political campaign and a soap opera, and not necessarily in any positive way.

Numerous rumors are swirling, while boosters and fans argue and lobby behind the scenes and in public forums for their preferred candidate.

When the Rebels finally get their man, will it be Dave Rice or Reggie Theus? Or, to be fair, will it be Reggie Theus or Dave Rice?

In a statement issued by UNLV on Friday, athletic director Jim Livengood said, "The hope is to be able to make a decision sometime on Sunday. We would then announce that decision at a press conference on Monday."

Livengood also said he is consulting with UNLV president Neal Smatresk and "continuing with a thorough review of the interview process."

The finalists to replace Lon Kruger are former Rebels players Rice and Theus, St. John's assistant Mike Dunlap and former Oregon coach Ernie Kent.

Former UNLV coach Jerry Tarkanian has been outspoken in support of Theus. His son and former UNLV point guard Danny Tarkanian joined in Friday by asserting that Livengood and Smatresk might be divided, saying Livengood has wanted Rice from the beginning and Smatresk could be siding with Theus.

"I had heard when the job opened, they were going to give it to David and not even interview Reggie," Danny Tarkanian said. "I just don't understand how UNLV can hesitate with a guy like Reggie. I think it's an obvious choice."

Danny Tarkanian was a three-year starter for the Rebels from 1981 to 1984. Rice and Theus also played for Jerry Tarkanian. Rice was a reserve on the Rebels' 1990 NCAA championship team and 1991 Final Four team. Theus starred for the Rebels from 1975 to 1978 and was a leader on the program's first Final Four team in 1977.

Rice, Brigham Young's associate head coach, interviewed for the position Wednesday. Theus, an NBA assistant for the Minnesota Timberwolves, interviewed Thursday.

"I have nothing against David. He's a great guy, and he's always been good to my dad," Danny Tarkanian said. "But when you've got a guy like Reggie, one of the three greatest players to ever play here, it's a no-brainer.

"There are some people who support David, and I understand it. He has paid his dues. On the other hand, Reggie is an icon. Reggie bleeds Rebel red, and he would crawl from Minnesota to Las Vegas to get the job."

Theus is the highest-profile candidate. Aside from his NBA playing career, he was head coach of the Sacramento Kings in 2007 and 2008 and also head coach at New Mexico State, where he guided the Aggies to the NCAA Tournament.

Theus' potential to recruit at a high level, Danny Tarkanian said, makes him the best fit for UNLV.

"Reggie has had great success. New Mexico State is a tough place to win," he said. "Kruger did as good a coaching job as you can do, but what he lacked is a great presence from one player.

"I think Reggie can go into the homes of the inner-city kids and talk to their parents and persuade players to come to UNLV over UCLA and Arizona and other schools, and I'm not sure anyone else can do that. Reggie has tremendous charisma and credibility."

Kruger's sudden departure for Oklahoma on April 1, after seven years at UNLV, triggered Livengood's search. The athletic director first met with Rice in Houston at the Final Four.

Theus did not receive a call from Livengood until Sunday night, more than 48 hours after Kruger's exit, and Danny Tarkanian said that made him and others wonder if Livengood, a BYU graduate, had Rice as the sole target in his sights all along.

"I don't think they were going to interview Reggie," said Danny Tarkanian, adding Theus' interview might have impressed Smatresk.

"I heard Reggie had a great interview and started swaying some people. I think they are seriously considering Reggie now, and I think Reggie felt cautiously optimistic. I don't know what they're doing. I don't have any inside info."

Danny Tarkanian also said he understood why Dunlap, the associate head coach at Arizona in 2008-09 when Livengood was at Arizona, was a finalist. The fourth candidate left Tarkanian puzzled.

"Kent wasn't going to get the job," he said. "There was no doubt in the world."

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