Nov. 7, 2006

LAS VEGAS (AP) - Greg Anthony was honored Tuesday night by the school he led to the 1990 NCAA basketball championship.

UNLV retired Anthony's jersey No. 50 at halftime of its exhibition game against Dixie State College (Utah), paying tribute to the point guard that guided the Rebels to a 103-73 win over Duke in the national title game.

"I never looked at myself as one of the greats," Anthony said. "It's never been about me, it's about something that I was part of. Never in my wildest dreams did I dream about having my jersey retired."

Anthony is the school's all time leader in assists (838) and steals (275), but was remembered by his teammates for his leadership. He broke his jaw midway through the championship season, but never missed a game despite having it wired shut.

"It was just unreal to be his teammate," said Moses Scurry, a forward on the title team, who participated in an alumni game as part of the night's festivities. "You name it and he was it for us. He was everythingyou wanted in a leader."

Anthony scored 1,301 points in his three-year career, also leading the Rebels to a Final Four appearance in 1991. They lost to Duke in the national semifinals, two games short of an undefeated season. UNLV has only been back to the tournament twice and hasn't won a game.

The Las Vegas native talked about restoring pride his hometown university, endorsing coach Lon Kruger in his third season.

"I will always be a Runnin' Rebel," he said. "To move forward you often have to reach back."

Anthony was the 12th overall selection in the 1991 draft by the New York Knicks, spending 11 years in the NBA with six different teams. He's currently a basketball analyst for ESPN.

Anthony joins teammates Larry Johnson (No. 4) and Stacey Augmon (No. 32) in the rafters at the Thomas & Mack Center. Reggie Theus (No. 23), Sidney Green (No. 21), Ricky Sobers (No. 40) and Glen Gondrezick (No. 40) have also had their jerseys retired.