UNLV Basketball to Open Season With New Roster
The Rebels face Northern Arizona on November 3 at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Basketball
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UNLV basketball fans can see a heavily reconfigured roster starting November 3, as head coach Josh Pastner looks to push the program back toward the NCAA Tournament. The team has integrated 10 transfers to improve upon last season’s 18-17 record.
Why it matters
The program has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2013, creating significant pressure to boost local attendance and return the Rebels to national prominence. Pastner is aiming to stabilize the team's performance following a campaign that hovered near .500.
The program added 10 new transfers to the roster following an 18-17 finish last season. Whether AJ Storr will be eligible for the opener remains unknown as his case moves through the Tennessee court system.
The players
Josh Pastner
The UNLV basketball coach entering his second season with the program.
Jerry Tarkanian
The legendary former coach whose name adorns the court at the Thomas & Mack Center.
Sebastian Mack
A new addition to the Rebels roster who scored 25 points in a recent exhibition.
AJ Storr
A preseason all-Mountain West team selection whose eligibility status is currently being litigated in court.
Tyrin Jones
A returning Rebels player and preseason all-Mountain West team selection.
The details
Coach Josh Pastner overhauled the squad after a season that failed to secure a postseason bid. The team relies on key returners like Tyrin Jones and Issac Williamson, while newcomer Sebastian Mack showed form by scoring 25 points in an October exhibition. Pastner has spent recent months on community outreach to increase fan interest at the Thomas & Mack Center. The team's eligibility status for AJ Storr currently rests on ongoing legal proceedings in Tennessee.
Timeline
2005: Jerry Tarkanian's name was officially added to the court.
2013: UNLV made its last appearance in the NCAA Tournament.
October 7, 2026: Sebastian Mack scored 25 points in an exhibition game.
November 3, 2026: The Rebels play their season opener against Northern Arizona.
Beyond the Strip
The program has not reached the NCAA Tournament since 2013, a drought that defines the current rebuilding effort. Coach Josh Pastner is attempting to reverse this decade-plus trend by heavily cycling through transfer talent.
Fans heading to the Thomas & Mack Center for the November 3 opener should expect to see 10 new players on the floor. Ticket holders should continue to watch for updates regarding AJ Storr's eligibility status before the game begins.
The takeaway
The Rebels are looking for a fresh start as they aim to end a tournament absence that has lasted since 2013. Locals should keep an eye on court developments in Tennessee, as they will directly dictate if AJ Storr can join the rotation for the season opener.
Further reading
Follow the latest updates on the team at the Basketball section of our site.
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