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Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 | 2:38 p.m.
I have been really impressed with the way the UNLV basketball team is playing. They don’t have many bad games, and when they do, they come back with two or three straight good ones.
I know (coach) Dave (Rice) has to be very happy with the way those guys are playing. I’m also impressed.
But being ranked No. 12 in the nation shouldn’t be that big of a deal for the players. I know a high ranking is good for the community, but the players don’t make too much of it because it changes so much. You go up and down. Other than giving fans something to debate about, I don’t think it means much.
The Anthony Marshall kid is just playing lights out. He’s made himself into a NBA prospect.
I haven’t seen anybody improve their shot they way he has. This is his third year at UNLV and he has just made giant improvements. There was a time when some coaches felt you could never improve your shot, but he’s proved that theory wrong.
His first year here, I thought he was a good athlete but wouldn't be able to do much more. But he has gotten better and better.
Of course Mike Moser has been great for them, too. Moser is one of the best transfer players I have ever seen. He rebounds. He handles the ball. He just does everything.
Chace Stanback has also caught my eye. Last year, he was good shooter on certain nights and not so well other games. This year, he shoots it well every game.
I don’t miss coaching at all, but a season like the Rebels are having makes me realize how much I appreciated it. I love what I did. It was a great experience and a great time. I love coaching so much.
The crowd against New Mexico last week was comparable to the games when I coached. But we got those crowds every night no matter which team we were playing.
UNLV coaching legend Jerry Tarkanian watches the Findlay Prep game against Bishop Gorman Saturday, Jan. 21, 2012 at Cox Pavilion. Findlay won the game 73-61.
The New Mexico game wasn’t the only game I attended last week. I also watched Shabazz Muhammad and Bishop Gorman take on Findlay (Prep). I’ve never seen a high school game draw that much interest and where they charged $99 to $200 for tickets.
Shabazz is going to be a great player. There is no question about that. He is unstoppable when he gets the ball near the basket. He is strong, quick and explosive.
I love his attitude and passion for the game. It’s just how Larry Johnson approached it. Everything about his game reminds me of Larry.
The day earlier, Gorman beat Bonanza High, which is coached by my son, George. I have two grandsons on the Bonanza team. One is a senior and the other is a freshman. Alex, the freshman, hit four 3-pointers against Gorman. Alex is just 5-foot-6, but he’s a great competitor and even better kid.
I know several fans saw me walking with the help of a cane at games this year. I don’t like it, but Lois and my family prefers it. I feel great and enjoy seeing all of my supporters.
I also agree that Marshall has improved so much over the past couple seasons. Same thing with Hawkins. Both have just completely changed their skill sets and improved into scoring threats but in doing so haven't neglected their defense. It's amazing watching the recent games and seeing the improvement every time on the court.
Wade: Tark mentioned Hawkins, too. I should have included
Dave Rice and his coaching staff should be commended as well (I know Tark mentioned it too). Yes, the players are working hard at improving their game, but the coaches work with them too, and whatever it is they are doing with them, its working. Reggie Miller commented during the game, how he observed practice the week of the UNM game, and how much of it looked like a professional practice, and how well structured it was. I am sure Coach Augmon has some input with that, using his experience with the Denver Nuggets.
i have been particularly impressed with carlos lopez this year. he makes the most of the minutes he gets and has been a big contributor in many games.
Always enjoy Shark Bytes, thanks Tark. As much as he enjoys watching the Rebels success nothing beats watching your grand children play ball.