Kevin Kruger is an accomplished American basketball coach and former player, currently serving as the head coach for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) men’s basketball team. Born on May 1, 1983, in McAllen, Texas, Kruger’s journey in basketball began at a young age, influenced by his father, Lon Kruger, a head coach at various universities.

Kruger attended George Walton Comprehensive High School in Marietta, Georgia, where he showcased his talent on the basketball court. He then went on to play college basketball at Arizona State from 2003 to 2006. During his time at Arizona State, Kruger had 43 starts in three seasons, including all 28 games in the 2005–06 season. His impressive .812 free throw percentage was the fourth-best in Arizona State history.

After graduating from Arizona State in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in justice studies, Kruger transferred to UNLV to play his senior season under his father, who was then the head coach for the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels. This move marked the beginning of Kruger’s deep connection with UNLV.

Following his college career, Kruger embarked on a professional playing career from 2007 to 2013. His professional journey included multiple stints with NBA Development League teams Utah Flash and Los Angeles D-Fenders, as well as international teams in Bulgaria, Italy, Mexico, Belgium, and Germany.

In 2014, Kruger transitioned into coaching, starting as an assistant coach at Northern Arizona. He later joined his father at Oklahoma as an assistant coach from 2016 to 2019. In 2019, Kruger returned to UNLV as an assistant coach. His dedication and understanding of the game led to his appointment as the head coach of the UNLV men’s basketball team in 2021.

As a coach, Kruger brings a wealth of experience to the program. His unique perspective, having been both a player and a coach, allows him to connect with his players and guide them effectively. Under his leadership, the UNLV men’s basketball team continues to strive for excellence on and off the court.