UNLV Basketball to Open Second Season Under Pastner

The Rebels will begin their 2026-27 campaign on November 3 following a roster overhaul.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball

UNLV Basketball to Open Second Season Under Pastner

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UNLV basketball prepares to launch its second season under head coach Josh Pastner on November 3 against Northern Arizona. The program aims to improve upon last year's 18-17 record by integrating 10 new transfers into the team.

Why it matters

Pastner is focused on revitalizing a program that has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2013. The coach has conducted extensive community outreach to boost local interest and attendance at the Thomas & Mack Center.

The roster features impact arrivals including Sebastian Mack, who scored 25 points in an exhibition on October 7, and returning players like Issac Williamson, who averaged 14.3 points per game last season.

The players

Josh Pastner

He is the head coach of the UNLV men's basketball team currently entering his second season at the helm.

AJ Storr

He is a key transfer player whose ability to compete in the upcoming season depends on pending legal outcomes.

Tyrin Jones

A returning player who averaged 12 points and 2.2 blocks per game during the previous basketball season.

Sebastian Mack

A transfer who previously played for UCLA and recently demonstrated his scoring ability in a 25-point exhibition game.

Issac Williamson

He is a returning guard who recorded a 14.3 scoring average and 2.5 steals per game last season.

The details

Coach Josh Pastner has rebuilt the lineup with 10 transfers, including notable contributors like Tyrin Jones and potential standout AJ Storr. The team hopes these additions will push the Rebels toward their first NCAA Tournament berth in over a decade.

2005: Jerry Tarkanian's name was added to the home court.
2013: The last year UNLV appeared in the NCAA Tournament.
October 7, 2026: Sebastian Mack scored 25 points in an exhibition game.
November 3, 2026: The UNLV season opener against Northern Arizona.

Season Trajectory

UNLV seeks to move past the threshold of the 2013 NCAA Tournament, the last time the program reached the postseason bracket. This season serves as a pivotal test for whether the heavy influx of talent can restore the Rebels to national relevance.

The potential availability of AJ Storr will significantly dictate the team's offensive ceiling, as he is currently projected to contend for Mountain West player of the year honors. Fans should monitor roster updates closely, as the eligibility ruling will dictate the primary scoring rotation.

The takeaway

The team's success hinges on how quickly the 10 incoming transfers can develop chemistry within the system under coach Josh Pastner. Integrating high-volume scorers into the rotation will be the primary objective as the Rebels chase a return to the NCAA Tournament.