Bibby Assistant Going to UNLV

USC assistant Marvin Menzies will be announced today as the first hire of new Nevada Las Vegas Coach Lon Kruger.

Menzies, who joined Henry Bibby’s staff in August from San Diego State, interviewed with Kruger on Monday.

Kruger is thought to want someone on his staff with strong recruiting ties in Southern California.

Menzies, a former head coach at Santa Monica College and a four-year assistant to Steve Fisher at San Diego State, said he could not comment.

Said Bibby: “I would never discourage my guys from bettering themselves and their families. You hate to see him go ... “

Menzies, whose main responsibilities with the Trojans were in recruiting and defense, was primarily responsible for the fall signing of forward Emanuel Willis from Mendenhall, Miss.

Since 2001, Bibby has lost from his staff Dave Miller, Silvey Dominguez, Damon Archibald and Kurtis Townsend. USC assistants are thought to be among the lowest-paid in the Pacific 10 Conference.

-- Paul Gutierrez