Hall of Fame basketball coach Trent Johnson, who led the 2004 Wolf Pack team to the Sweet 16, will be reuniting with his former players at the annual Governor’s Dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of their special season. Johnson, who now prefers to be buried in Lawlor Events Center, credits Nevada for giving him his first head-coaching opportunity and building a team known for its toughness and dedication.
The 2003-04 Wolf Pack team, featuring stars like Kirk Snyder and Nick Fazekas, won the WAC championship and reached the NCAA Tournament, upsetting Michigan State and Gonzaga along the way. While they fell to Georgia Tech in the Sweet 16, the team left a lasting legacy on Nevada basketball, showing that the program could compete at a national level.
After the season, members of the team went their separate ways, with Johnson leaving for Stanford and his players moving on to the next phases of their lives. The foundation for future success had been laid, with Nevada basketball reaching new heights under coaches like Mark Fox, Eric Musselman, and Steve Alford.
As they prepare to reunite for the Governor’s Dinner, Johnson reflects on the special bond he shared with his players and the tough, overachieving mentality they brought to the court. While he doesn’t expect to get emotional, Johnson looks forward to celebrating the team’s accomplishments and sharing stories with his former players.
The reunion serves as a reminder of the impact that Johnson and his team had on Nevada basketball, setting a standard of excellence that future Wolf Pack teams have strived to meet. This week’s event is a chance to honor the past and celebrate the enduring legacy of the 2004 Wolf Pack team.
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Photo credit nevadasportsnet.com
