Bayno stresses positives as practice opens

Steve Carp

Monday, Oct. 19, 1998 | 11:36 a.m.

In an attempt to pick up where his team left off, Bill Bayno has done some remodeling of his UNLV basketball program.

The complaint department has been permanently closed. Got a gripe? Keep it to yourself.

So when the Rebels went overtime this weekend in their first practices of 1998-99, nary a discouraging word could be heard. Through Saturday's four-hour marathon and Sunday's double session, it was shut up and play.

"He's not putting up with any negative attitude," sophomore forward Donovan Stewart said of Bayno's no-nonsense demeanor. "In the past, guys would complain about something. Not this year."

Bayno said if the Rebels are to continue the late-season success of last year when they won 10 of their last 12 to get back to the NCAA Tournament for the first time since 1991, they have to stay together. And it starts with the first days of practice.

"This is the best group we've had," he said. "The kids will set the tone right from the beginning."

The early verdict, from coach and players alike, is thumbs-up.

"Our attitudes are good," Bayno said. "The new guys are picking things up pretty good. But we'll do extra with them to help them catch up."

Freshmen Chris Richardson and Desmond Herod had been forewarned. So they were ready for the marathon weekend.

"I thought it would be hard," the 6-foot-7 Richardson said. "But I was looking forward to getting it on with my teammates."

Herod, a 6-5 guard, said: "The biggest difference between this and high school is here, everyone's on the same page. The coaches stay on top of you, which is good."

For the veterans, it's somewhat easier, because they've been through it before.

"You've got to get used to it," Stewart said of the long workouts. "I know what to expect, that it's going to be an all-day thing."

Despite the long sessions, the players are glad to be on the floor together, working toward the Nov. 14 season opener against Sacred Heart. With the first exhibition game two weeks from Thursday, everyone is playing beat the clock.

"We've got a lot of teaching to do," Bayno said.

The new guys said they'll be quick learners.

"I'm glad I made it through the first day," Herod said. "I've been looking forward to this for so long."

It didn't sound like he was complaining.