Team chemistry appears fine for the Rebels

Steve Carp

Monday, Nov. 3, 1997 | 8:40 a.m.

The first meeting of Chemistry 101 went well, considering most of the class is still getting to know one another.

If the UNLV basketball team is going to get a passing grade this season, its members must do well in chemistry.

Things were a tad sloppy at times, which would be expected for a first meeting. But all in all, the Rebels seemed to be on the same page in their decisive 109-84 rout of Upstate Developmental Basketball League at the Thomas & Mack Center Saturday.

"I feel like we have some (chemistry)," said freshman center Kaspars Kambala, who became an instant fan favorite with the announced crowd of 12,522 for his tenacity on the offensive glass, which produced a 22-point, 11-rebound effort. "The more we play together, the better we'll be."

At times, the Rebels appeared to be in mid-season form. Freshman Greedy Daniels already has a leg up on the outstanding play of the year when he stole a pass in the first half and threw a blind behind-the-back bounce pass at mid-court to an onrushing Tyrone Nesby. Nesby finished off the play with a slam dunk for two of his game-high 31 points.

And Nesby threw a charge into the crowd with a sensational putback slam in the second half that would have made teammate Keon Clark proud.

UNLV committed just 12 turnovers while coming up with 11 steals.

"I think we worked pretty well together," said Donovan Stewart, who had 19 points off the bench. "You can see there's some chemistry between a lot of the guys. I liked the way we defended overall."

Damian's the enemy

It had to be a weird feeling coming back to play at the Thomas & Mack as the visitor. And former UNLV guard Damian Smith said it was a bit strange playing against his old teammates.

"It was different," said Smith, who led USDBL with 17 points. "I'm not used to being in that tiny visitors locker room. I was hoping they'd let me have my old locker back."

Smith, who works at Sunset Station, said he wasn't sure if his USDBL debut was also his finale. Saturday was the team's first game of its tour and Smith hasn't heard whether or not he'll remain a member of the team. USDBL is fielding two traveling teams playing college programs across the country.

"I don't know," Smith said. "I've got to talk to Mickey (Walker, USDBL director). I'd like to keep playing. It was fun being out there again."

Smith thought this year's Rebels version may be pretty good.

"They've got some talent," he said. "With Greedy and Mark (Dickel) pressuring the ball and running the team, they can push the other guys. And once they get Keon and the rest of the guys back, they'll be very tough."

Hoop du jour

* RECRUITS IN TOWN: Three outstanding prep recruits took in Saturday's game. Korleone Young, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Hargrave Military Academy in Virginia, along with 6-1 teammate Myron Piggie and 6-9 Kevin Lyde from Oak Hill Academy were on official visits to UNLV. Young, one of the top five players in the country, said he was impressed with the school and the city and has had UNLV on his list from the start. But he likely won't make a decision until the spring. The NBA may be an option if Young has a big senior season. Lyde has been considering UNLV as well as Maryland, Temple, Syracuse and Michigan. He may sign early. The fall signing period begins Nov. 12.

* EVERYONE SCORES: Nine UNLV players saw action in Saturday's win over USDBL and everyone scored, including walk-on Keith Long, who hit a 3-pointer down the stretch. Four Rebels were in double figures, led by Tyrone Nesby's 31. Exhibition stats don't count but if they did, Nesby's points would have been a career high. He had 30 last year against Air Force. ... The last time UNLV scored 100 points was Dec. 30, 1994, when the Tim Grgurich-coached Rebels beat Central Florida in overtime, 103-90.

* BACK TO WORK: After taking Sunday off, the team resumes practice today and begins preparations for Sunday's game vs. Melbourne Magic. That game originally was scheduled for Saturday but was moved to accommodate the Evander Holyfield-Michael Moorer heavyweight championship fight. ... UNLV should hear from the NCAA clearinghouse within the next 48 hours regarding the status of freshman C Ali Kaba. The 6-9 Kaba had to sit out Saturday's game because the NCAA has yet to clear him for competition. The Liberia native is permitted to practice.