A New Chapter Begins
The Josh Pastner era officially tips off tonight as UNLV hosts UT Martin to open the 2025-26 season. Before tip-off, the Thomas & Mack Center court will be rededicated in honor of Jerry and Lois Tarkanian, a symbolic passing of eras from Tark the Shark to Pastner’s new vision.
Pastner enters year 15 as a college head coach (276-187 career record), after previously leading Memphis and Georgia Tech.
The Runnin’ Rebels return just one scholarship player (Jacob Bannarbie) and welcome 13 newcomers (eight Division I transfers, one JUCO, one former international pro, three freshmen).
“We had to sign 13 new guys.. 13 scholarship players,” Pastner said Monday. “When you have a whole new team, you’re behind on installation. The first thing is chemistry. We’ve done more off-the-floor things than any year I’ve coached because everybody was brand new.”
Roster Reality: Short Bench, Long Vision
UNLV remains shorthanded heading into the opener. The Rebels used seven healthy scholarship players against Washington and eight against Lincoln University. That same group forms the core rotation tonight, joined by walk-on Jalen Cunningham.
Injury Report
Questionable: Myles Che (Foot), Mason Abittan (Ankle), Ladji Dembele (Foot)
Out: Emmanuel Stephen (Hip), Issac Williamson (foot)
“The same eight scholarship guys from Lincoln plus Jalen Cunningham are 100 percent cleared,” Pastner said. “I’m hoping we get a couple back, but I’m not counting on it. The medical staff will decide, we can’t rush anyone.”
“We might have to back off some systematic things,” he added. “It’s about putting guys in the best position to succeed, even if that means changing how I wanted to play.”
Identity Check: Compete and Play Fast
Pastner’s two core principles are competitive excellence and pace.
“We’re going to be great with competitive excellence,” he said. “I don’t care if we play with four guys… we’re going to compete. That’s the standard.”
“We’re going to play with great pace. That doesn’t mean wild… it’s about how we cut, the speed of our cuts, the way the ball moves and is thrown ahead. That’s what fans want to see from the Runnin’ Rebels.”
Expect mass substitutions to sustain tempo.
“We’ve conditioned a lot so we can play at a high tempo,” Pastner said. “I’ll probably sub in waves to keep the intensity and pace up.”
Scouting the Opponent: UT Martin Skyhawks
Head Coach: Jeremy Shulman (16th season overall, 360-126 career)
2024-25 Record: 14-19 overall (9-11 OVC)
UT Martin enters Year Two under Shulman with a blend of veterans and youth. The Skyhawks return seven players (five with starting experience):
Afan Trnka - 8.3 PPG, 97 assists (OVC “Player to Watch”)
Lamine Niang - 58.4 FG%, 26 blocks (team leader in both)
Andrija Bukumirović, Filip Radaković, and AJ Hopkins round out the returning rotation.
A massive youth movement defines the roster: 12 newcomers, including nine freshmen, the most in program history and second nationally behind New Haven. UTM also boasts the most international players (13) in Division I, representing 11 countries.
“We wanted to mix old and young this year,” Shulman said. “Adding eight freshmen was by design, no shortcuts. We want to build something sustainable and long-term. I love where we’re going.”
UTM adds impact transfers in Luca Colceag (Eastern Florida State/Northern Colorado) and Dragos Lungu (San Diego, FIBA U20 EuroBasket MVP).
The Skyhawks seek their second straight season-opening road win after beating Illinois State 67-65 to open 2024-25.
By the Numbers
Category | UNLV (2024-25) | UT Martin (2024-25) |
|---|---|---|
Record | 18-15 | 14-19 |
Home / Road | 11-5 (Home) | 5-12 (Away) |
FG % | 45.0 | 43.2 |
Points Per Game | 74.1 | 71.9 |
Opp PPG | 70.8 | 77.4 |
Assists Per Game | 12.1 | 11.0 |
Keys to the Game
Chemistry Under Pressure - The lights are on for real now for both programs that enter 2025, with plenty of unknowns. Execution and trust under the lights will matter more than polish early on.
Tempo & Transition - Both teams want to run, but control wins openers. Early adrenaline will be high whoever channels it into efficient offense gains the edge.
Rebounding Discipline - Opening nights are often chaotic on the glass. Limiting second-chance points is critical against a UT Martin team that attacks the boards.
Rotation Management - With UNLV’s short bench, substitutions and conditioning are key. Pastner’s group will need smart energy distribution to sustain pace into the second half.
Pastner’s Message
“Players play the game - tough players win,” Pastner said. “There’s going to be adversity. You can’t be on the ropes and lay there. You’ve got to punch back.”
“We want to be good to start, but great by the end,” he added. “It’s about improvement, film, and growth every time we step on the floor.”
Closing Thoughts
UNLV’s chemistry is still forming, but its athleticism and tempo should control the opener. UT Martin’s depth and international talent make them a dangerous long-term prospect, but tonight’s matchup leans heavily toward the home side.
In Case You Missed It
Josh Pastner talked about chemistry, injuries, and what to expect in Game 1. Catch the full media session below:
