Kevin Kruger on Coaching UNLV, NIL Changes, and Building Leadership in College Basketball
- Addison Thom
- Oct 14, 2024
- 6 min read
College basketball is evolving rapidly, and few coaches are as well-positioned to navigate these changes as Kevin Kruger, the head coach of UNLV Men’s Basketball. As the son of legendary coach Lon Kruger, Kevin’s journey from player to coach has been one of hard work, growth, and adaptability. Now at the helm of one of college basketball’s most iconic programs, Kevin leads his team in an era of new challenges, including NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal.
In this blog post, we’ll explore Kevin’s rise through the ranks, his approach to leadership and player development, and his thoughts on the transformative impact of NIL on college sports. Whether you’re a die-hard sports fan, a coach, or someone looking to elevate your personal and professional life, Kevin Kruger’s journey offers powerful lessons in leadership, resilience, and building success in a fast-changing world.
Kevin Kruger’s journey is inspiring and eye-opening, but what sets him apart as a coach are the core principles he’s developed along the way. Below, we delve into four key areas that define Kevin’s philosophy as a leader, coach, and change-maker in college basketball.
From Player to Coach: Kevin Kruger’s Basketball Journey
Kevin Kruger’s rise to becoming the head coach of UNLV Men’s Basketball didn’t come overnight, despite what many might assume. Growing up under the guidance of his father, Hall of Fame coach Lon Kruger, Kevin was immersed in basketball from an early age. Yet, Kevin built his path rather than simply riding his father’s coattails. As a player, he wasn’t the fastest, tallest, or most athletic on the court, but his work ethic, preparation, and basketball IQ more than compensated for any physical limitations.
In the podcast, Kevin spoke about the misconceptions people have about how he got where he is today:
“Everyone thinks I just rolled out of bed and became a coach. They forget about the years spent grinding as an assistant.”
Kevin excelled at Arizona State as a collegiate player before transferring to UNLV to play under his father. His professional career took him overseas, where he played in Europe, further broadening his basketball experience. Kevin explained how being a coach’s son instilled the mentality of always looking for an edge:
“Not being the most athletic, not being the biggest, you’ve got to find those areas where you can take what you’re assumed to not be good at and make it work.”
This mindset sets Kevin apart as a player and defines his approach as a coach. He found ways to neutralize the advantages of more significant and faster opponents, relying on intelligence, preparation, and an unrelenting desire to improve.
When Kevin transitioned into coaching, he took the lessons he learned as a player and applied them to his leadership style. As he explained, he’s always had a chip on his shoulder, driven by the desire to prove his worth in a world that assumed his success came from his father’s legacy:
“I’ve never had a problem finding an edge, whether as a player or a coach. People assume I got opportunities because of my dad, but they forget the years of hard work that got me here.”
The NIL Era and Transfer Portal: Changing the Game in College Sports
The world of college sports has changed dramatically over the past few years, and few developments have been as game-changing as the advent of NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) and the transfer portal. NIL offers players an unprecedented opportunity to profit from their brand. For coaches, it presents new challenges in building cohesive teams, especially when players can transfer more efficiently.
Kevin shared his candid thoughts on the impact of NIL on the game:
“The NIL and transfer portal has completely flipped college sports. What we’re seeing today isn’t what it was ten years ago.”
In the past, athletes had far less mobility and couldn’t profit from their image or likeness. Today, athletes can sign endorsement deals, changing their priorities. For coaches like Kevin, managing a team in this environment requires coaching talent and understanding the external pressures of NIL deals and the transfer portal.
Kevin pointed out that one of the most significant shifts in the sport is how the transfer portal has made team-building more volatile. Athletes no longer have to commit to staying at a school for four years, making it more difficult for coaches to develop long-term strategies:
“We’ve become Europe. We have players for a year, and then they move on. It’s not college sports as we used to know it.”
This comparison to European basketball, where players often switch teams frequently, reflects the new reality of college sports. Kevin noted that the fast-paced nature of player movement can be disorienting, but for adaptable coaches, it’s also an opportunity. Instead of resisting change, Kevin is leveraging it, bringing in solid recruits and molding them into a team in shorter time frames.
But while NIL presents challenges, Kevin is still a strong advocate for athletes benefiting from their hard work:
“I’ve always believed players should get more. They’re the ones out there on the court, bringing in money for the university. NIL makes sense.”
For Kevin, the challenge isn’t NIL but finding the right balance between personal success and team cohesion. He recognizes that coaches must keep players motivated, united, and focused on collective success in this new era.
Leadership, Confidence, and Developing Players
At the heart of Kevin Kruger’s coaching philosophy is the belief that confidence is the most crucial factor separating good players from great ones. Having faced his battles with self-doubt as a player, Kevin now makes it his mission to build confidence in his athletes.
He explained his philosophy during the podcast:
“The biggest difference between good and great athletes? Confidence. It’s about knowing what you can do and being secure.”
Kevin’s approach to leadership is about helping his players find that inner security. Whether they’re a freshman just starting or a senior looking to go pro, he focuses on making sure every athlete knows their strengths and can play with confidence, regardless of external pressures.
Part of building that confidence is allowing players to experience discomfort. Kevin firmly believes that growth comes through adversity and isn’t afraid to let his players struggle through challenging moments. He sees conflict and challenge as essential parts of the developmental process:
“You can’t grow without being uncomfortable. You’ve got to have a little head-butting and conflict to figure out how it will all work.”
By fostering a competitive but supportive environment, Kevin helps his players become resilient. He pushes them to find their edge, just as he did during his playing career, and to use that edge to improve daily.
The Future of UNLV Basketball: A Program on the Rise
Despite the challenges posed by NIL and the transfer portal, Kevin Kruger remains optimistic about the future of UNLV Basketball. Since taking over as head coach, Kevin has steadily improved the team’s performance. With a roster that includes a mix of returning players and recruits, the excitement around the program is palpable.
Kevin shared his enthusiasm for the upcoming season:
“We’ve improved record-wise every year. This year, we’ve got guys who have been through the battles, and that’s why we’re excited about the future.”
One of the critical factors driving UNLV’s resurgence is the strong support from the university and the growing interest in athletics in Las Vegas. With professional teams like the Raiders and Golden Knights now calling Vegas home, the city’s status as a sports hub is attracting top recruits. Kevin noted that it’s easier than ever to get families to visit:
“We’ve never had a hard time getting the moms, dads, aunts, uncles, and grandparents to visit. The energy around Vegas and the growth of professional sports here has helped.”
As the city grows and more opportunities arise, Kevin is focused on building a program that wins games and develops players into leaders on and off the court.
Kevin Kruger’s journey from player to coach and his ability to adapt to the rapidly changing world of college basketball make him one of the most intriguing sports figures today. Despite challenges like NIL and the transfer portal, his focus on leadership, confidence-building, and team cohesion offers valuable lessons for anyone looking to succeed in sports or life.
Through his candid reflections on the podcast, Kevin provides a roadmap for navigating adversity, embracing change, and leading with purpose. His story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and a relentless drive to improve.
Ready to hear more from Kevin Kruger? Tune in to the full episode of Anyone Have a Pencil and dive deeper into Kevin’s thoughts on leadership, NIL, and the future of college sports. Whether you’re a basketball enthusiast, a coach, or someone striving for personal growth, this episode offers insights you won’t want to miss. Subscribe to the podcast today to stay updated on all future episodes and never miss a chance to learn from the brightest minds in sports!
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