UNLV's Dave Rice Makes Excellent Decision in Hiring Findlay Prep's Todd Simon As Assistant

By Paul Seaver
Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA Today Sports

On Monday morning, news began to emerge that the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels and head coach Dave Rice were expected to bring Findlay Prep head coach Todd Simon on as an assistant.

Simon, who worked as the video coordinator at UNLV under former head coach Lon Kruger, took on an assistant coaching position at Findlay Prep and was eventually promoted to the head coaching slot after Michael Peck left to pursue a head job in the NBDL. Now, if the reports are true, Simon is heading back to UNLV and this is an excellent hire for Rice and the Runnin’ Rebels.

Findlay Prep, which is not just one of the top squads in the state of Nevada, but one of the top high school and prep destinations in the country, produces numerous Division 1 caliber players and that trend has continuously extended into the NBA ranks from there. In fact, there’s no better example than the No. 1 pick in last week’s NBA Draft. Anthony Bennett, who left UNLV after one season at the collegiate level, was selected with the top overall spot this past Thursday. He’s an original native of Ontario, Canada, but he played his high school ball at Findlay.

Simon has connections and he’s been a successful coach who owns ties and has had a previous stint with UNLV. This was a no-brain decision for Rice and it’s one that should have huge implications for the Runnin’ Rebels moving forward. Great move for UNLV.

 

Follow Paul Seaver on Twitter: @PaulSeaverRS

 

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