Pastner continues to build coaching staff at UNLV

UNLV athletic director Erick Harper recently hired former Georgia Tech head coach Josh Pastner to take over the basketball program after the firing of Kevin Kruger.

The athletic program has since introduced him to the UNLV community and to Las Vegas.

Pastner has since rolled up his sleeves and gotten to work rebuilding the program after a slew of players entering the transfer portal after a disappointing bounce from the Mountain West Conference Tournament.

To build the success, he’s started to fill the coaching positions and has already made three new hires.

Pastner has brought in Scott Garson, Justin Hawkins, and Anthony Wilkins to be assistant coaches over the past few days. All three coaches are highly recommended and qualified for their positions.

Scott Garson is expected to serve as the assistant coach. Garson comes from the Santa Clara Broncos with seven years of experience. Garson is well-known for his ability to develop players and maximize their potential.

In just the last three years, Garson turned Jalen Williams and Brandin Podziemski, two former Broncos into first-round picks in the NBA Draft. Garson is expected to have a pivotal role in recruiting and game strategy.

Justin Hawkins has experience as a director of player development for the UNR Wolf Pack for the last three years. Hawkins has major ties to UNLV. He played for the Runnin’ Rebels from 2009 to 2013.

Anthony Wilkins has spent his last two season as an assistant at Texas-Rio Grande Valley last season and at Vanderbilt the year prior. Wilkins also spent four seasons as an assistant at Georgia Tech under Pastner.