Nevada Basketball: Eric Musselman deserves huge credit for the Wolf Pack’s run

As we continue to digest all the madness of this past weekend, the run Nevada basketball has had so far through the NCAA Tournament is nothing short of spectacular. And it’s thanks to an innovative coach in Eric Musselman.

Of their two come-from-behind wins, the Wolf Pack’s most impressive effort was their 22-point comeback over a Cincinnati Bearcats team that had national title aspirations. Let’s also not forget, this Nevada basketball team accomplished that tiring feat with six – I’ll repeat – six guys!

And what might be more impressive than all of that is the job Eric Musselman has done, not only in the tournament but on the season as a whole. Seven players averaged 19 or more minutes this season for the Wolf Pack, only two – Josh Hall and the injured Lindsey Drew – originally recruited and signed by Nevada. The other five are transfers from all points of the country playing in their first year together as a unit.

When you can get a shorthanded, unfamiliar team to come together and make a run like this? You celebrate… shirtless:

But people who are familiar with Musselman’s career well shouldn’t be surprised by what his team is doing. His resume features CBA, NBA, G-League and International coaching experience in addition to his time in college. Musselman has seen it all, but most importantly he could relate to and coach kids who needed another shot.

Caleb and Cody Martin were overlooked by the hometown school they were loyal to, NC State. After a mundane two years in Raleigh with inconsistent playing time, the twins left home for Reno, where their dominance soon commenced.

Kendall Stephens was a solid contributor to a Purdue team who played his role well as a lengthy sharpshooter for two seasons. However, after the death of a good friend his junior year, he took a break from basketball. Upon his return later that season, his playing time significantly decreased, and he was soon granted his release. He too found comfort in Musselman’s program.

Hallice Cooke is with his third program in three years after stops at Oregon State and Iowa State. After multiple injuries and a major health scare that made him retire briefly, the senior returned to basketball activities in December and has been an asset for Nevada basketball ever since.

The Martin twins, Cooke and Stephens all sat out and looked on one year ago as former teammates like Marcus Marshall, Cameron Oliver and current teammate Jordan Caroline lost in the first round to Iowa State. Now, as they continue writing their own story, the question remains if this team of destiny has any magic left.

Next: Where does Nevada rank among the Sweet Sixteen teams?

This writer’s answer? As long as Musselman is roaming the sideline, never count out the Wolf Pack.