A Shoutout That Started It All (Image Credits: Pixabay)
Las Vegas – The UNLV Runnin’ Rebels basketball team has discovered an unusual way to celebrate road triumphs under first-year coach Josh Pastner.[1]
A Shoutout That Started It All
Pastner could barely contain his excitement after the Rebels upset Utah State 86-76 on January 20 in Logan. He declared on his postgame radio show that the victory meant one thing: a trip to the nearest gas station.[1]
This ritual quickly became the team’s rallying cry. Players earn the right to stock up on snacks and drinks only after securing an away win. Pastner introduced the tradition during his time at Georgia Tech, where it caught on as a fun motivator.[1]
The coach described it simply: a cool tradition that players and fans alike enjoy. It transforms ordinary convenience store runs into badges of hard-fought success.[1]
Player Picks Fuel the Fun
Team social media posts captured the excitement, showing players grabbing their favorites after victories. Guard Issac Williamson opted for Flaming Hot Cheetos and mamba fruit chews. Center Emmanuel Stephen celebrated with Bimbo Panqué, a Mexican pound cake topped with pecans.[1]
Forward Tyrin Jones loaded up on Tampico Citrus Punch, a Cinnabon, mango Peelerz, and Brisk Iced Tea. Forward Naas Cunningham chose Pineapple Barritas. These choices highlight the youthful joy of the 18- to 23-year-olds on the roster.[1]
- Issac Williamson: Flaming Hot Cheetos, mamba fruit chews
- Emmanuel Stephen: Bimbo Panqué
- Tyrin Jones: Tampico Citrus Punch, Cinnabon, mango Peelerz, Brisk Iced Tea
- Naas Cunningham: Pineapple Barritas
Pastner noted that despite NIL deals boosting players’ earnings, simple treats like gummy bears, M&Ms, and Gatorade still bring smiles.[1]
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Road Success Meets Home Challenges
The Rebels posted a 6-4 road record midway through the season, outpacing their home performance. Key triumphs included nonconference victories over Stanford and Memphis, plus a 92-78 win against Pastner’s former Memphis squad on November 16.[1][2]
Overall, UNLV stood at 14-13 with a 9-7 Mountain West mark, holding sixth place. Recent dominance came in a 91-66 rout of last-place Air Force, where Kimani Hamilton scored a season-high 27 points.[3]
Pastner urged his squad to carry that road toughness back to the Thomas & Mack Center. The disparity puzzled observers but fueled the gas station hype.[1]
Morale Booster on the Bus
Fox 5 sports reporter Paloma Villicana, who traveled with the team, called it a first-of-its-kind tradition among UNLV coaches. Wins meant heading home with bags of goodies, lifting spirits after grueling trips.[1]
The coach joked that gas station owners should cheer for Rebel victories, given the business they generate. Large groups of tall athletes surprise late-night shoppers, adding to the charm. Pastner highlighted the Memphis stop, where locals recognized him from his past tenure.[1]
With two road games left, including one at Grand Canyon, the ritual promised more excitement. A postseason bye hung in the balance for the sixth-place team.[1]
Pastner’s snack strategy underscores a simple truth: small rewards build big momentum. As the Rebels chase a strong finish, these pit stops remind everyone why basketball thrives on camaraderie. What do you think of this quirky tradition? Share in the comments.
Key Takeaways
- Gas station runs follow every road win, stocking players with favorite snacks.
- Rebels excel away (6-4), channeling that edge for home improvement.
- Tradition boosts morale, surprises locals, and dates back to Pastner’s Georgia Tech days.
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