In a historic moment for Nevada basketball, head coach Trent Johnson made his debut with a resounding 80-55 victory over Washington State on Nov. 19, 1999. The Wolf Pack impressed with a strong performance, led by Adrian McCullough who scored 19 points and had eight assists. The team made half of their 3-point attempts, delighting the 6,191 fans in attendance at Lawlor Events Center.
Despite their promising start under Johnson, the Wolf Pack struggled in the following games, losing nine consecutive matchups against Division I opponents and finishing Johnson’s debut season with a 9-20 record. However, this setback was only temporary, as Johnson would go on to lead the team to two WAC championships and their first Sweet 16 appearance in 2004.
The victory over Washington State marked the beginning of a new era for Nevada basketball, laying the foundation for continued success over the next two decades. Johnson’s impact on the program was undeniable, setting the stage for future achievements and solidifying his place in Wolf Pack history. Fans can learn more about this historic moment by watching the video feature on the accomplishment.
Source
Photo credit nevadasportsnet.com
