Bayno says some players need a teamwork lesson

Steve Addy

Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2000 | 9:09 a.m.

LAHAINA, Hawaii -- The Rebels' purpose for coming to the Maui Invitational was to play some Top 25 competition, maybe sneak out with a couple of wins, and learn a few things about themselves.

The wins didn't materialize, but at least coach Bill Bayno is finding out about his team. He is not all that thrilled with everything he's seeing, either.

After Tuesday's 86-85 overtime loss to Louisville, Bayno said some of his players need a lesson in team basketball. He criticized sophomore Dalron Johnson for breaking off the designated play on the Rebels' final possession.

Rather than throwing the ball to Kaspars Kambala under the basket, as planned during a timeout, Johnson took what he said was an open 3-pointer from the right side. He missed and that was the Rebels' last chance.

"D.J. shot it instead of posting up Kas," Bayno said. "We've got to understand what makes us good -- everybody focused, worrying about the team and not worrying about themselves.

"When we play hard and play together, when guys are playing totally unselfishly, we're hard to beat. But we went through stretches when a couple of guys were more worried about themselves -- worried about their shots. (Johnson) in the first half was out of focus (scoring two points)."

Louisville coach Denny Crum said he was surprised when Johnson took UNLV's final shot.

"We thought they would probably throw it to (Kambala) or fake it to him," he said. "But then (Johnson) stepped back and shot. The play call was good and (Johnson) was open. He just did not make it. He could've made and we'd have lost, but that's part of the game."

"We have no indication when it will be," athletic director Charles Cavagnaro said. "Once the hearing is over, you sit around and wait. That's where we are now. It's business as usual."

The NCAA took the unusual step of addressing Chris Richardson's suspension separately two weeks ago. UNLV's appeal to the Reinstatement Committee will be submitted next week, Cavagnaro said.

"One thing I did over the summer was stand at the free throw line, take my time and execute my technique," Kambala said. "When I shoot, I am not thinking about making or missing them, just shooting the same every time."

"I started out in basketball with the trapezoid, for about six years," Kambala said. "It did not make any difference (against Illinois). I just wasn't as ready as I was (for Louisville)."

Bayno doesn't like the international lane, which is four feet wider along the baseline.

"It hurts post play," he said. "Since Kas has been here, we've always been a team that plays from the inside-out on offense. I hope (that rule) doesn't stick."