Josh Pastner is actively searching for players who can immediately bolster the UNLV men’s basketball roster while fielding calls from agents about potentially steering their clients to the Rebels.
“That’s why I keep saying in college athletics, you virtually have to wear acceptable clothing,” Pastner said. “Meaning, you have to be willing to adapt, to change, to be flexible. Things are changing in real time. It’s not five years down the road. It’s basically day‑by‑day where things are changing.”
On July 31 a U.S. District Court judge in Colorado issued a preliminary injunction that grants an extra year of eligibility to college athletes from the high‑school class of 2022. The NCAA has asked the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn the injunction while simultaneously seeking a stay.
Pastner described the situation as an “absorbing dynamic.” “We’ve been pursuing it closely,” he said. “It’s a lot of legal talk. What does this all mean? Who can play and who can’t play? It’s confusing to a person not in the legal world. I just want to know, ‘Is this guy eligible or not?’”
Agents have approached Pastner about players who were competing in the NBA Summer League at the Thomas & Mack Center last week and now, as members of the 2022 class, would prefer to return to school rather than sign a professional contract.
Securing such talent, however, is complicated by the fact that nearly all of the program’s NIL funds are already allocated elsewhere on the roster.
“I think it truly affects sports like basketball and volleyball, which are about to play in a couple weeks,” Pastner noted. “We’re still trying to figure it out. We start classes on the 24th. You want to know what’s going on. You don’t want to take a guy and then three weeks later a court lawsuit declares him ineligible.”
He added, “Absolutely, we’re recruiting if these guys are eligible. We don’t have a lot of time. School starts soon. But if they’re eligible and we have spots available, we should be in the hunt for players.”
Last week Connecticut head coach Dan Hurley told reporters that college basketball cannot continue under the current framework, pointing out that high‑school players who slip through the rules often end up injured. He emphasized that 17‑ and 18‑year‑olds risk losing opportunities as additional years of eligibility are awarded.
The NCAA is urging Congress to pass the Protect College Sports Act, which includes provisions for reforming eligibility rules. The bill failed to secure a Senate vote before the chamber’s recess and has been rescheduled for next month’s calendar.
“If you’re the NCAA, you more than need a win,” Pastner observed. “Its losing streak continues.”
He also warned, “There are so many different court cases all over the state where judges are making decisions that supersede NCAA rules. That’s the world of college athletics we’re in today.”
UNLV awaits a ruling on its own NCAA case involving NC State transfer guard Alyn Breed, who has applied for a medical hardship waiver that would grant him a seventh college season. The Rebels currently have 12 scholarship players; they would have one open slot if Breed is deemed eligible and two if not.
“No final decision yet,” Pastner said. “We’re hoping it happens sooner rather than later.”
While Pastner waits for that outcome and works to fill the roster, the Rebels find themselves in a predicament shared by many programs nationwide, constantly evaluating eligibility and its potential impact on the team.
When in doubt, wear acceptable clothing.
Sincity Press Staff
2 hours ago 4 min read
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English (US)·