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UNLV Rebels School History

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UNLV Rebels




  • 1990
  • unlv_running_rebels

    The Running Rebels First and Only NCAA Basketball Champs 1990

    The 1990 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament involved 64 schools playing in single-elimination play to determine the national champion of NCAA Division I men’s college basketball. It began on March 15, 1990, and ended with the championship game on April 2 in Denver, Colorado. A total of 63 games were played. UNLV, coached by Jerry Tarkanian, won the national ...
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History of the Rebels

The UNLV Rebels have a long and storied history in the NCAA. From their first season in 1968 to today, they’ve been one of the most successful teams in college sports. The Rebels have won multiple conference titles, appeared in numerous NCAA tournament games, and even made it all the way to two Final Fours!

For decades now, Rebel fans have been some of the most passionate supporters around. They show up for every game, decked head-to-toe with team colors and cheering loudly for their beloved team. It's no wonder that UNLV has become synonymous with success on both an individual level and a collective unit - something that only comes from having such dedicated fans behind them at every turn!

UNLV is also known for producing some fantastic players over its fifty-plus years of existence, including Larry Johnson (who was named Naismith College Player Of The Year), Stacey Augmon (a three-time All-American), Greg Anthony (an NBA champion), Shawn Marion(a four-time NBA All-Star)and many more. These former players are just part of what makes this program so special - not just because they achieved great things while playing here but also because they continue to be involved with current student-athletes by offering advice or attending events like homecoming games or alumni reunions.

This year marks yet another milestone for UNLV: its 50th-anniversary celebration! Several events throughout Las Vegas will honor past accomplishments and look forward to future successes to commemorate this momentous occasion. Fans can expect plenty of festivities surrounding these celebrations, so don't miss out on your chance to join fellow Rebel faithful!





College Sports Established
1968

Location
Paradise, Nevada

College Name
University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Collegiate History
1973 - Present / NCAA Division 1
1968 - 1973 / University Division of the NCAA

Conference History
1999 - Present / Mountain West Conference
1982 – 1996 / Big West Conference
1970 – 1982 / Independent

Nickname
Rebels - The UNLV Rebels are one of the country's most beloved college sports teams, and their nickname has a unique origin story. The University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) was founded in 1957 as an extension campus for the University of Nevada, Reno. When choosing a mascot for this new school, students wanted something to represent their Rebel spirit and honor local Native American tribes.

Thus, they chose “Rebels” as their official nickname because it represented freedom from traditional conventions and rules - just like many early settlers who left Europe to settle in America, seeking greater freedoms than those offered by European monarchies at that time. In addition to being brave pioneers who sought out liberty on foreign soil, these rebels were also associated with Native Americans through trade routes or intermarriage, which is why UNLV adopted red/black colors often used by some tribal nations living near what is now known as Las Vegas today!

In 1964 during its first year competing under NCAA regulations, UNLV officially became known as "the Rebels" after having been unofficially referred to by this name since its founding seven years earlier – making them one of only two Division I schools whose nicknames have remained unchanged since inception (the other being California State). As such, when you think about all things related to college sports – make sure you take special note & pay your respects to our courageous & pioneering university team: The Fighting Rebelettes!

NCAA Championships
Baseball 0

Men's Basketball 1
1990

Women's Basketball 0

Football 0

Soccer 0

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