Rebels freshman are all right

Monday, Nov. 17, 1997 | 12:47 p.m.

With freshmen, the common theme is "Expect the Unexpected."

Usually, that means a pass thrown inadvertently into the stands or a forced shot in traffic with a teammate wide open five feet away.

But whether it's the exposure to pressure they received while still in high school or that they're more learned and little fazes them, UNLV's frosh trio of Kaspars Kambala, Greedy Daniels and Donovan Stewart handled their maiden voyage into the collegiate ranks with few mishaps. And that was unexpected from coach Bill Bayno's perspective.

Each made a positive contribution in Saturday's 96-81 win over Loyola Marymount at the Thomas & Mack Center. Whether it was Kambala's scoring or Daniels' defense or Stewart's rebounding, each made an impact.

In Stewart's case, it technically was his second collegiate game as he played three minutes in last year's season-opener against Cal State Northridge.

"Last year was different because I really didn't know the system and I really never got to play," said Stewart, who had back surgery a year ago and redshirted. "I feel like I've been given a second chance. I know my role and I feel like I'm part of the team."

He's an important part. The 6-foot-4 forward from Rialto, Calif., scored 17 points and grabbed nine rebounds off the bench to take some of the load off senior forward Tyrone Nesby, who led all scorers with 25 points.

"I have to help out the little guys," Stewart said of his need to board. "If I'm rebounding and playing defense, I'm helping the team."

The same can be said for Kambala, the 6-9 Latvian who posted a double-double with 20 points and 15 rebounds. Fourteen of those boards came in the second half as Kambala bounced back from a sluggish start.

"Coach didn't have to say anything to me," Kambala said. "It was obvious. One rebound is not acceptable."

Kambala attacked the basket offensively, using several moves in the post to befuddle the Lions' tall front line of 6-10 Peter Cornell and Kenny Hotopp.

"I don't know if they were surprised," he said of his ability to score down low. "I just kept going to the basket."

Daniels, who had five assists and two steals along with seven points and four rebounds, had his moments of brilliance as well. When he broke down LMU's defense, it created openings inside for Kambala and Nesby.

Backcourt mate Mark Dickel, who had a career-high 11 assists along with 12 points for a solid double-double, also gave the other Rebels easy scoring opportunities with his ability to penetrate and dish.

"They couldn't stop us from scoring," Dickel said. "When we're running, it's just a more natural way for us to play."

Bayno was pleased by his three freshmen.

"I saw some good things," he said. "I thought Donovan was super coming off the bench. I thought Greedy did a nice job of pushing the ball and he got us going defensively. And I though Kas had a strong second half with his rebounding.

"I know with freshmen you're going to have some mistakes. But they've been working hard in practice and they're all fast learners."

Bayno said that needs to continue Wednesday when UNLV hosts Eastern Michigan in the Preseason NIT.

"I think we learned a lot from this game," he said. "The key is building on it and getting better."

Hoop du jour

* ABOUT THE EAGLES: Eastern Michigan, Wednesday's opponent, started the season with an 86-58 win over Drake Saturday. Guards Earl Boykins and Derrick Dial led the Eagles with 21 and 18 points, respectively. EMU forced Drake into 28 turnovers. ... EMU comes off a 22-10 season in 1996-97 and returns three starters. The Eagles were picked to win the West Division of the Mid-American Conference in the MAC's media poll.

* RADIO SHOW DEBUTS: The season premiere of "The Bill Bayno Show" on KXNT 840-AM is 7 p.m. Tuesday from Gordon Biersch on Paradise Road. The one-hour, live call-in show will feature Bayno and guests and the public is invited to attend. The call-in number is 739-5968. ... This week's Rebel Athletic Club luncheon is noon Tuesday at the Harley Davidson Cafe. The luncheon, which features Bayno, is open to the public. Cost is $10.

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