Kambala, Daniels refute rumors that they are transferring

Steve Carp

Friday, Dec. 18, 1998 | 9:02 a.m.

On the eve of what will probably be the toughest test of the regular season, members of the UNLV basketball team wanted to clear up a few misconceptions regarding the team's chemistry. Or lack of it.

Contrary to rumors and a televised report that he was quitting, sophomore center Kaspars Kambala said Thursday he is happy at UNLV and has no intent of transferring. Ditto Greedy Daniels, who seems to be the subject of transfer rumors on almost a weekly basis.

Coach Bill Bayno confirmed that nobody has asked to leave the program. But if anyone is truly unhappy, he won't stand in his way. So far, Bayno said he has had no takers.

So look for the 6-foot-9 Kambala in the starting lineup at 9 p.m. Saturday against fourth-ranked Cincinnati. And expect the 6-foot Daniels to see plenty of action off the bench against the Bearcats, who will be part of the second half of the Las Vegas Shootout doubleheader at the Thomas & Mack Center. Arizona meets Iowa State in the 6:30 p.m. opener.

Daniels and Kambala are upset that the rumors keep circulating when nobody has asked them what is going on. They were more than glad to clear the air publicly Thursday after practice in the North Gym.

"I'm fine with what's going on," Daniels said of his constantly changing role with the team which now has him averaging 24 minutes a game backing up both Mark Dickel at the point guard spot and Brian Keefe at the shooting guard slot. "I think people are trying to break up our happy home. They should mind their own business.

"I have no problem with my role. The only thing I'm disappointed with is that we're losing right now."

Kambala, who was suspended for the Nevada-Reno game back on Dec. 2 for what was termed a violation of team policy, said he didn't know how the rumors about him looking to transfer got started. But he denied a KLAS-TV report Wednesday that claimed he had told other UNLV student-athletes of his intent to leave.

"That was the first I heard of it," he said. "Someone called me and said they just saw on TV that I was leaving and I was like, 'What are you talking about?'

"If I wanted to leave, I wouldn't be at practice. I'd be gone."

Kambala admitted things have not gone as smoothly for him as he had hoped over the first month of the season. But he also said things were positive and he was looking forward to Saturday's game with Cincinnati.

"Right now, I'm very happy," he said. "I've had a good week of practice. I'm working hard, trying to get my intensity back."

Bayno said he has been pleased with Kambala since he issued the one-game suspension in Reno.

"Kas has had his best week of practice," he said. "He's doing what he's supposed to do."

Bayno then tried to put the dissension scuttlebutt to rest.

"There's nothing to it," he said of defections in the ranks. "If there was a problem, you'd know about it.

"You lose a couple of games and people start questioning what's going on and they assume everyone's unhappy. All I can tell you is that we're moving in the right direction, the guys are working hard and no player has come to me asking to transfer out.

"If guys are unhappy and they want to leave, I'll do everything I can to help them find another place to play. But no one's come to me."

He also announced that his freshmen players will not be made available to the media following published comments attributed to Chris Richardson and Desmond Herod, who have been frustrated over their lack of playing time. Bayno spoke to the players Thursday about their new code of silence.

He then turned his attention to Saturday's game. He's going to need Kambala and Daniels along with the other members of the rotation, which will include Donovan Stewart and Ike Epps, to keep the athletic Bearcats off the boards and keep the Cincinnati transition game in check.

"The key is going to be defensive rebounding," he said. "We can't give up second and third chances and be able to win. We have to do a great job on the boards and make sure we get back in transition."

He also said the 4-4 Rebels will have to match 8-0 Cincinnati physically. Minnesota did that Wednesday and the Golden Gophers were able to stay in the game all the way, losing in overtime, 62-61.

"Minnesota battled them physically," he said. "They didn't let Cincinnati win that battle."