UNLV practice facility pushed
In the past two years, coach Lon Kruger has led the effort to revive UNLV’s basketball program. While he plans for the future, he’s getting help.
Momentum is building behind plans to construct a practice facility for the Rebels.
"I think it’s a trend now that you’re seeing," UNLV athletic director Mike Hamrick said, citing state-of-the-art basketball facilities at Arizona and Kentucky. "We’re trying to get an idea of what we want and what it would cost."
Regent Steve Sisolak is pushing the project, which would require donations from private sources.
"A lot of the really good basketball programs have practice facilities," Sisolak said. "It would put us ahead a little bit. It’s something that will impact the program for years and years.
"Coach Kruger has been great for the community. If we can’t do it now, with the success of UNLV basketball, we might never be able to do it."
Sisolak said a "rough estimate" for the cost of a basketball-only facility is $7 million to $10 million. Expanding the project to include a student-athlete services building for academic counseling and other uses could elevate the costs above $20 million, he said.
"I hope it’s happening. I would be excited to hear that discussion," Kruger said. "It’s all in the very, very early stages."
Kentucky opened the $30 million Joe Craft Center in January 2007. The facility houses the men’s and women’s basketball teams in addition to administrative offices.
Arizona is constructing a $14 million practice facility for basketball and volleyball. Former Wildcats star Richard Jefferson, who plays for the New Jersey Nets, made a $3.5 million donation for the project that gives Jefferson naming rights to the building.
"A practice facility would help us significantly, especially from a recruiting standpoint," said Hamrick, who has toured the facility in Tucson, Ariz.
Hamrick said a new basketball facility at UNLV would serve the men’s team, while the women’s team would continue to use Cox Pavilion.
There are no blueprints for the building, but Sisolak said he envisions it being near the Thomas & Mack Center.
The project is a pipe dream until donors step up to help finance it.
"You can’t fund this through state money. It must be funded with private money," Sisolak said. "As hot as UNLV basketball is right now, it’s a good time to get the word out."
Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907.