University of Nevada Athletics

RENO, Nev. – Elbert Denina has joined the University of Nevada athletics department medical staff as an associate director of sports medicine.  Denina will work with the Wolf Pack men’s basketball program, rifle team and additional sports as assigned.

Denina comes to the Wolf Pack after working with the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Canton Charge, the NBA Development League affiliate of the Cavaliers.  

Originally from Southern Californina he received his bachelor’s degree in athletic training from Long Beach State.  He then spent two years working for the Los Angeles Clippers where he developed his skills, gained valuable knowledge and experience assisting the medical staff in the daily responsibilities of care for the athletes.

Denina also spent one summer as the athletic trainer for the San Diego Chargers while still working for the Clippers.  With the supervision of the NFL medical staff he was responsible for injury evaluation, injury prevention, and rehabilitation of all athletes.

In 2013 he joined the University of Arkansas training staff as a graduate assistant athletic trainer.  While at Arkansas he assisted with the Razorback’s men’s basketball team.  After completing his master’s degree he started working with the Cleveland Cavaliers organization for the 2015-16 season.

In Cleveland, Denina worked alongside the Cavaliers medical staff for the duration of the preseason. His primary role for the organization was to serve as the assistant athletic trainer and head strength and conditioning coach for their NBA Developmental League Canton Charge. Denina monitored the nutrition and individual strength and conditioning programs while assisting with injury rehabilitation. The Canton Charge finished the season second in their division before falling in the Eastern Conference finals.