10 Best UNLV Basketball Players

#10: Freddie Banks (1983-1987)

• Position: Point Guard / Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs

Freddie Banks, also known as “Fearless Freddie,” was a key player for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels during his time at the university. Known for his exceptional shooting ability and scoring prowess, Banks was a pivotal figure in leading UNLV to the 1987 Final Four. 

In the 1987 NCAA Tournament, Banks set a record by hitting 10 three-pointers in a single Final Four game against Indiana, a record that still stands. Over his career at UNLV, Banks averaged 16.4 points per game and was known for his clutch performances and ability to score in bunches. His impact on the Runnin’ Rebels program helped solidify UNLV’s reputation as a national powerhouse during the 1980s.

#9: Elmore Spencer (1990-1992)

• Position: Center
• Height/Weight: 7’0″, 270 lbs

Elmore Spencer was a dominant force in the paint for the Runnin’ Rebels during the early 1990s. After transferring to UNLV, Spencer quickly made his presence felt with his size, strength, and shot-blocking ability. 

As the starting center for UNLV, Spencer helped lead the Rebels to the NCAA Tournament, where they were consistently one of the top teams in the nation. 

Known for his defense and rebounding, Spencer was a key component of UNLV’s interior defense, providing a formidable presence in the middle. He averaged 13.0 points and 7.0 rebounds per game during his time at UNLV, and his contributions were crucial in maintaining the team’s dominance.

#8: Shawn Marion (1998-1999)

• Position: Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 220 lbs

Shawn Marion, known as “The Matrix,” played just one season at UNLV, but his impact was undeniable. Marion’s versatility, athleticism, and defensive prowess made him a standout player for the Runnin’ Rebels. 

During the 1998-1999 season, Marion averaged 18.7 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, showcasing his all-around game and ability to impact both ends of the floor. 

His performance at UNLV propelled him to the NBA, where he went on to have a highly successful career, earning four NBA All-Star selections and winning an NBA Championship in 2011. Marion’s brief but impactful stint at UNLV left a lasting impression on the program.

#7: Anderson Hunt (1988-1991)

• Position: Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’2″, 185 lbs

Anderson Hunt was a key player in UNLV’s most successful era, playing a pivotal role in the Runnin’ Rebels’ 1990 National Championship run. Hunt was known for his scoring ability, quickness, and three-point shooting. 

He was named the Most Outstanding Player of the 1990 Final Four after leading UNLV with 29 points in the championship game victory over Duke. Hunt’s clutch shooting and ability to perform under pressure were instrumental in the Rebels’ dominance during his time at UNLV. 

He finished his college career with an average of 15.1 points per game and remains one of the most celebrated players in the program’s history.

#6: Armen Gilliam (1984-1987)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 240 lbs

Armen “The Hammer” Gilliam was a dominant force in the paint for the Runnin’ Rebels during the mid-1980s. Known for his physicality, scoring ability, and rebounding, Gilliam was a key player in UNLV’s rise to national prominence. 

In his senior season, Gilliam averaged 23.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game, leading the Rebels to the 1987 Final Four. He was named a consensus First-Team All-American and was later selected as the second overall pick in the 1987 NBA Draft. Gilliam’s powerful presence in the paint and his ability to take over games made him one of the greatest players in UNLV history.

#5: Sidney Green (1979-1983)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’9″, 220 lbs

Sidney Green was one of the pioneers who helped establish UNLV as a formidable basketball program. Known for his tenacity on the boards and his ability to score in the paint, Green was a dominant force during his time with the Runnin’ Rebels. 

He averaged 22.1 points and 11.0 rebounds per game in his senior season and finished his career as UNLV’s all-time leading scorer and rebounder at the time. 

Green was named a consensus Second-Team All-American in 1983 and played a crucial role in leading the Rebels to four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances. After his college career, Green was selected fifth overall in the 1983 NBA Draft, embarking on a successful professional career.

#4: Reggie Theus (1975-1978)

• Position: Shooting Guard / Small Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’7″, 195 lbs

Reggie Theus was one of the first true stars of UNLV basketball, helping to lay the foundation for the program’s success in the years to come. 

A versatile scorer and playmaker, Theus was known for his smooth style and ability to score from anywhere on the court. During his time at UNLV, Theus averaged 15.9 points per game and led the Runnin’ Rebels to the 1977 Final Four. 

His impact on the court was matched by his charisma off it, making him a fan favorite and a key figure in the growth of the program. After college, Theus was selected ninth overall in the 1978 NBA Draft and went on to have a successful 13-year NBA career, including two All-Star selections.

#3: Greg Anthony (1988-1991)

• Position: Point Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’0″, 180 lbs

Greg Anthony was the floor general for UNLV during their most successful period, leading the Runnin’ Rebels to back-to-back Final Four appearances, including the 1990 National Championship. 

Known for his leadership, defensive tenacity, and clutch play, Anthony was the heart and soul of the Rebels’ team that dominated college basketball. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.5 assists per game during his college career and was named to the All-Tournament Team in 1990. 

Anthony’s leadership on and off the court was instrumental in UNLV’s rise to national prominence, and he is remembered as one of the greatest point guards in program history. After college, Anthony was selected 12th overall in the 1991 NBA Draft and enjoyed a solid 11-year NBA career.

#2: Stacey Augmon (1987-1991)

• Position: Small Forward / Shooting Guard
• Height/Weight: 6’8″, 213 lbs

Stacey Augmon, also known as “Plastic Man” for his incredible defensive versatility and athleticism, was a key player during UNLV’s golden era. Augmon was a lockdown defender who could guard multiple positions, and his ability to shut down opposing scorers was unmatched. 

He was a three-time National Defensive Player of the Year and a consensus First-Team All-American in 1991. Augmon’s all-around game also saw him contribute significantly on offense, where he averaged 13.7 points per game during his college career. 

He played a crucial role in UNLV’s 1990 National Championship run and was instrumental in their return to the Final Four in 1991. Augmon was selected ninth overall in the 1991 NBA Draft and had a successful 15-year NBA career.

#1: Larry Johnson (1989-1991)

• Position: Power Forward
• Height/Weight: 6’6″, 250 lbs

Larry Johnson, affectionately known as “Grandmama,” is widely regarded as the greatest player in UNLV basketball history. Johnson joined the Runnin’ Rebels as a junior college transfer and immediately made an impact, leading the team to the 1990 National Championship in his first season. 

Known for his strength, athleticism, and scoring ability, Johnson averaged 21.6 points and 11.2 rebounds per game during his two seasons at UNLV. He was a two-time consensus First-Team All-American and won the Naismith College Player of the Year award in 1991. 

Johnson’s dominant play helped UNLV achieve a 69-6 record during his time with the program, and he remains the face of UNLV basketball. After college, Johnson was selected first overall in the 1991 NBA Draft and became an NBA Rookie of the Year, two-time NBA All-Star, and one of the most recognizable players of the 1990s.