UNLV recruit Pearson adds long bombs to his arsenal

Steve Addy

Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2000 | 10:27 a.m.

UNLV's small forward-to-be, early signee Omari Pearson, is making himself well-rounded, just in case.

Pearson, a 6-foot-9 recruit from Crispus Attucks Prep in York, Pa., isn't concentrating only on playing with his back to the basket in his senior year. He's getting plenty of minutes with the ball in his hands, facing the basket, creating his own shot.

"He is a 6-9 wing player, but he can play four positions for us," Crispus Attucks coach Isiah Anderson said from York. "He's learning to master each position. He's been shooting 3-pointers very well, which I know UNLV really likes. They want a guy who can hit the outside shot."

Pearson, who signed with UNLV in the November period, is averaging 18 points, nine rebounds and two blocks, helping Crispus Attucks to a 15-2 record.

Rebels coach Bill Bayno said he envisions Pearson as a small forward, which makes sense because UNLV already has promising freshman Dalron Johnson at power forward, though Pearson and Johnson are physically similar.

"Omari is having a good year. He's definitely our most improved player," Anderson said. "The Rebels are going to get a fine player."

Pearson, who lives with the coach, said he isn't content with the recent improvement he's made.

"Things are going well, but I feel I have a lot to work on," he said. "I think I have gotten better as the season has gone on, but my game can get better in almost every way -- rebounding, shooting, ballhandling, everything.

"I can't wait to get to Las Vegas. I'm glad I signed early, so now I don't have the pressure of all those coaches calling me. UNLV seemed to be a good opportunity for me. I still feel that way."

* REBEL NOTES: Donovan Stewart has scored in double figures in three straight games, good for a 12.3 average, more than double his season average of 5.3. He's 18-of-31 from the field over the three games (58 percent). ...

Since his 11-of-17 outing at Air Force on Jan. 15, Trevor Diggs has struggled with his shot. He is 12-of-54 (22.2) in his last four games, including 6-of-28 on 3-pointers (21.4). ...

Wyoming's 63-point first half Monday was the most the Rebels have allowed in a half all season. The previous high was North Carolina's 58-point second half on Dec. 4. Wyoming's 42 field goals also beat North Carolina's old high of 41.