November 7, 2006
UNLV Rebel Basketball opened preseason with an easy exhibtion win over Dixie State, 70-37. The highlight of the night however was the retiring of Greg Anthony's #50 jersey at halftime.

With the Thomas & Mack at half capacity,  Rebel fans looked back to the glory days with the alumni game prior to the actual Rebel game. The high-scoring, nostalgic affair showcased the likes of Armon Gilliam, Jarvis Basnight and possibly the best UNLV point guard of all time, Robert Smith. The reminiscing wasn't over though as UNLV great and part of the greatest college team ever assembled, Greg Anthony, retired his jersey at halftime. It was long overdue as both Larry Johnson and Stacey Augmon both have their jerseys retired from that championship team.

 "I'll always be a Rebel", Anthony said at mid-court as the emotions were evident and those that could remember that team felt the same way. For the locals, they were amazed and proud to see the skinny kid from Rancho High School grow up and have a successful career in basketball and life. It was a special time for Rebel basketball, and locals are yearning for that championship feeling once again.

The new Rebel team, now with another father-son combination in Lon and Kevin Kruger, look to become that team this year. In coach Kruger's third year, now is the time to shine and show this town that we can get back to those winning ways. While it was just an exhibition game against a clearly over-matched Dixie State team, some good had to come out of it as the team shot well and passed well with great signs coming from, quite possibly, the best back court in the conference. The only aspect of the Rebel team that could cause some concern after this was being out rebounded by a team that has no one over 6'6". That won't bode well against a tall Mountain West Conference. If this Rebel team has any hopes of having a shot at the "big dance" they had better learn to box out real quick and bang the boards.

A sixth man could help too! And with the cheap seats going for only five bucks why not help bring back those glory days. See you at the game!