UNLV hoops is 37th in another preseason publication

By Rob Miech

Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2008 | 12:57 p.m.

Lindy’s preseason college basketball annual wasn’t as kind to UNLV as Athlon, which picked the Rebels 24th in a publication that was released this week.

Lindy’s will rate UNLV 37th, according to its editor. Unlike most magazines, which highlight a Top 25, Lindy's lists its top 40 programs. The Rebels would have been ranked higher but they lose some luster because of their conference.

The Mountain West Conference typically isn’t one of the nation’s most powerful leagues. Last season, the MWC was ranked ninth among the conferences, trailing the Atlantic-10 and Missouri Valley, according to a ratings percentage index.

Editor Shawn O'Neal admitted that Lindy's might have "undervalued" UNLV. "That ranking could be too low," he said.

As for preseason rankings from any source, UNLV coach Lon Kruger sounded amused.

“They’re exactly that, preseason,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to gauge the impact of new guys. They’re good for conversation and discussion, and we’re glad to be in them.

“As far as them meaning a lot, hopefully players don’t think they mean a lot. We still have to line up and get better each day. Otherwise, we’ll get tripped up on fool’s gold.”