#221: Josh Pastner is the current head coach of the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels men’s basketball program, bringing with him over two decades of collegiate coaching experience and a reputation for program-building and player development. 

A member of the 1997 NCAA National Championship team at the University of Arizona, Pastner began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Hall of Famer Lute Olson. He later served as an assistant at Memphis under John CaliPERRY before being promoted to head coach in 2009 at the age of 31, where he compiled a 167–73 record and earned Conference USA Coach of the Year honors in 2013. His tenure included four NCAA Tournament appearances and consistent national rankings, establishing him as one of the youngest and most promising coaches in the country at the time.

Following his success at Memphis, Pastner took over at Georgia Tech in 2016, leading the Yellow Jackets to an ACC Tournament championship and NCAA Tournament berth in 2021, and earning ACC Coach of the Year in 2017.

After two years as an analyst for ESPN and other networks he is now at the helm leading the Runnin Rebels. 

You can find him on social media @coachjpastner as well as the UNLV men’s basketball program @runninrebels 

Enjoy the show!