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Two weeks in a hospital bed near his home in Lajas, Puerto Rico, over the summer zapped UNLV freshman power forward Carlos Lopez of considerable energy and strength.
That’s a main reason why he was fighting an uphill battle the moment he arrived on campus and when official basketball practice started about a month ago.
After Thursday’s practice – which was one of his best – inside the Thomas & Mack Center, Lopez said redshirting this season is the best move for him.
He talked it over with his mother, grandmother, and UNLV coach Lon Kruger and his staff, and he said everyone agreed that taking the next year to properly prepare for college basketball is the correct course.
“And I love Las Vegas, UNLV, the basketball program ... I’m not going anywhere," Lopez said. "I’m looking forward to getting ready to play next year and to the rest of my future.”
Lopez, 19, did not play in the Rebels’ exhibition game Tuesday night against Washburn, and he was not available after Wednesday’s practice because he had to meet with an academic advisor and lift weights.
He contracted a stomach virus with the Puerto Rican junior national team when it was competing in a July tournament in France.
He finally saw a doctor, but he said the conversation attempts were comical; Lopez doesn’t speak French, and neither the doctor nor his assistants knew any English or Spanish.
On the plane ride home to Puerto Rico, he vomited. He was sick for the duration of the flight. Once the plane landed, medical personnel took him straight to a hospital.
When UNLV started practicing, the 6-foot-11 power forward told the Sun he lost nearly 30 pounds in the ordeal. Rebels coach Lon Kruger said it was more like a dozen. He’s now just under 210.
No matter the figure, Lopez, who helped Findlay College Prep win an ESPN national championship last season and was a Pilot for three years, the episode hindered his transition to Division-I basketball.
“I see it as an opportunity to become a better player,” Lopez said, “and I think it’s a chance to help my team the best way I can.”
Follow Rob Miech on Twitter at twitter.com/RobMiech.
when is the deadline to make him a redshirt for this season?
No deadline. If he plays, he can't redshirt ... if he were to play and get injured, and he only participated in a minimal number of games, the NCAA likely would grant a redshirt. It has shown leniency in that area in the past and even granted certain players a "sixth" year to play a fourth season. Of course, you usually get a five-year window to play four seasons, the almight "clock." thx
I was really looking forward to seeing him play this year and I think we could really use him. Anyway, he is a Rebel and I love my Rebels. Can't wait to have him back next year. But, don't keep me waiting too long as each year passes I'm getting closer to my expiration date.
yea i think Los should play and stick it out. if he plays terrible, he can redshirt next year. it helped Joel Anthony and im watchin him play on TNT right now.
I don't agree with this but I really like this kid. If his mind is set and Coach is okay with it then we all need to get behind him. Los, hit those weights like a demon and attack those hamburger stands!
im gonna support whatever he wants to do also..but if he redshirts, i just hope that massamba and shaw are ready cause santee isnt. prove me wrong darris.
Lenny, indeed ... from the moment practice started, coaches have been impoloring him to Eat, Eat, Eat after practice. Good thing double-doubles are right around the corner on Maryland ... he has a lotta skill, and when you add the inevitable strength he'll have a lot going for him a couple years down the road. It'll help him concentrate on studies this season, too. Nothing but upside. And he will enjoy every moment of his all-around college experience.
Santee has had ample opportunity to prove himself and he has yet to do it. I say see what unfolds over the next week and if his performance does not vastly improve it is time to give Massamba and Shaw the time. With the likes of Arizona, Kansas State and Louisville on the horizon Kruger can not afford to take a wait and see attitude. Put the players on the floor that can produce. Wish Carlos was one of them.
i agree gumpy.
i hope kruger doesnt play favorites and play santee just cause he's a senior and can provide 'leadership b/c hes a sr'. that is false if he plays like how he did agst washburn.
DARRIS SANTEE, get off your ass and produce not just in practice, but in games or quit UNLV basketball.
gumby, I think Kruger has proven by now that he doesn't play favorites. Bust it in practice and show you deserve minutes. The real battle today and tomorrow is who's gonna start Saturday, Massamba or Santee. I'd give a slight edge, right now, to Massamba. He had some good blocks today at practice and is hustling. But Darris had some good plays, too. I'd say 51-49 Brice, but I'm no coach. :-)
Down the road, you're going to see a fine player in Carlos, and we've documented his array of skills well here. thx
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Gumby,
Santee proves himself all the time..... in practice. if he didnt, coach would not put him in there..... the prob with santee comes down to confidence.... no crowd=stud crowd= flop..
santee if you're reading this.... stop worrying about if you are gonna make the shot or not or turn the ball over or not..... just play your game that got you here and everything will be fine.