Former Rebel Jarvis Basnight Passes Away at the Age of 59

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Lamarr Fields | Last updated 4/1/24

Jarvis Basnight, a former UNLV Rebel basketball player, has passed away at the age of 59. Basnight was part of the UNLV basketball team from 1985 to 1988, playing under the legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian.

With a heavy heart, we were saddened to learn that we lost a UNLV Legend today pic.twitter.com/myAaOF0lFJ

— UNLV Men's Basketball (@TheRunninRebels) April 1, 2024

Basnight was a key player on the 1986-87 team that reached the NCAA Tournament’s Final Four. He started in 34 games and recorded an average of 9.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 0.7 blocks per game. The Rebels reached the Final Four that season but lost to the top-ranked Indiana Hoosiers in the national semi-final by a score of 97-93.

Jarvis Basnight, a key for UNLV’s ‘87 Final Four team, has passed.

A Detroit native, moved West for #HSBB (Los Angeles HS & LA Verbum Dei) before attending Mt Sac JC.

One of 4 JUCO starters along side homegrown Freddy Banks; will be missed by many. pic.twitter.com/e9AoGvFcwQ

— Ronnie Flores (@RonMFlores) April 1, 2024

During the 1987-88 season, Basnight had his best year, averaging 14.0 points and 6.9 rebounds per game while shooting 64% from the field. He is ranked second on UNLV’s all-time career field goal percentage chart, shooting 60.8% from the field over three seasons.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: