Rebels build on work ethic

Steve Carp

Monday, Oct. 14, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The doors to the North Gym are open. Not only are players inside bouncing basketballs, but coaches are right alongside them, offering instruction and helpful hints.

Drills are run over and over. Sweat is the fluid of choice. It's no-nonsense basketball, the kind of teaching that would make former workaholic UNLV basketball coach Tim Grgurich smile.

Call it an anti-reform measure by the NCAA if you will. At UNLV, Bill Bayno might want to call it college hoops' version of "Operation Head Start."

For the second straight year, schools are permitted to have coaches work with players on the court before Nov. 1. A maximum of three players can be on the floor at one time with the coaches for a maximum of two hours a week.

The workouts began in August and concluded over the weekend. With Tuesday marking the official start of fall practice, it's like getting a tuneup for your game.

"The reality is, you bring kids in to play," said UNLV associate athletic director David Chambers. "It doesn't make a lot of sense not to let them practice with their coaches.

"Back in 1991, the NCAA adopted playing season regulations which restricted what you could do during and after the season. It was part of the reform movement.

"This rule is a step in the other direction. It's great because it allows the student-athlete to better himself."

And that's what coaches like Grgurich had been preaching for years.

"It's obviously a good rule, but I always think you can do a little more," Bayno said. "I'd like to see another hour added during the week and maybe expand the group to four or five kids at a time."

Bayno said it's always good to be on the court, regardless of how much time you have.

"We did it last year. But I think this year, we had a little more structure," he said. "We were so busy trying to recruit last summer, we didn't have everyone around."

The benefits are evident and wide-ranging. For someone like Damian Smith, coming off knee surgery, it's a chance to get his game back together. For a newcomer like junior forward Tyrone Nesby, it's a chance to polish up on fundamentals. JC transfer Corky Ausborne can build a rapport with his new coaches.

For others, it's a chance to build or rebuild one's confidence. Sophomore Ben Sanders looked to regain his shooting touch. Freshman Donovan Stewart was able to convince himself he can compete at this level.

"I think each guy gets something different out of it," Bayno said. "But collectively, it helps us because if each kid gets better individually, it's going to make you a better team."

The players can see the improvement.

"This has put me in a lot better shape," said Nesby, whose sophomore season at Vincennes (Ind.) College was cut short by a stress fracture in his right foot. "It gave me a chance to test the foot in a basketball situation. So far, it feels good."

Smith, who is fully recovered from knee surgery, said he's ahead of schedule with his basketball game.

"I felt strong going into the workouts," he said. "But getting into the 3-on-3 drills and working with the new guys helped me get going. I feel like I'm not behind going into practice."

Ausborne, who played last year at Tyler (Texas) JC, said getting his mechanics together will help him move forward.

"I see a big difference in my game from day one to now," he said. "I also have a feel for what Coach wants. I know where he's coming from. This is a good rule. You get a lot out of this."