Rebels have Juco big men in sight

Steve Addy

Tuesday, April 10, 2001 | 10:18 a.m.

One of Bobby Knight's first Texas Tech hand-me-downs might fit UNLV just right.

Needing to replenish their size and inside game, the Rebels are among the contenders to sign Jamal Holden, a 6-foot-9 power forward who will likely be released from his national letter of intent with Texas Tech.

Holden signed with Tech in November under former coach James Dickey, but when Knight took over, he permitted Holden and another Red Raiders signee to explore opportunities at other schools. They haven't been formally released, but Holden will visit UNLV this week, recruiting sources said.

Rebels coach Charlie Spoonhour wouldn't comment about specific prospects, but is said to be focusing on four frontcourt players -- three from the Juco ranks -- with plans to sign two.

The spring signing period starts Wednesday and runs though May 15, but Spoonhour said he won't sign anyone this week.

"There is a limited talent pool, and a lot of teams are looking for players," he conceded. "But just because you have scholarships to give does not mean you have to rush out and sign people. We are going to do our homework and bring in some guys for visits."

Holden, a Tulsa native, helped lead Westark (Ark.) College to a 23-3 record and fifth place in the national Juco tournament last month. He averaged 10 points and shot 62 percent this season for a team that rotated four big men. He averaged 15 points and seven rebounds in 1999-00.

Holden is slightly built, weighing only 220, but has grown six inches since being an all-state guard in Oklahoma in 1999.

"He's a kid who -- if he puts on enough weight -- has a chance to be really special," Westark coach Doc Sadler told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal.

Holden is also expected to consider TCU and Arkansas. He committed to the Razorbacks last year before changing his mind to Texas Tech. He also visited Kansas State and LSU last year.

Also among the Rebels' likely targets are power forward Mike Hayes (6-8, 245) of Cowley County CC in Kansas, and power forward Mike Mackell (6-9, 230) of Porterville (Calif.) JC.

Hayes averaged 13.7 points and 11.4 rebounds this season as Cowley went 22-7. Creighton, New Mexico and Oklahoma State are also showing interest.

The Rebels recruited Mackell under coach Max Good, and their interest has apparently continued under Spoonhour, though it's unknown if he will visit UNLV. Mackell is said to be leaning toward San Diego State. Oklahoma State, Oregon and Pitt are also in the picture.

Rebels assistant Derek Thomas spent the weekend scouting prospects in California.

Recruiting inroads by UNLV and other schools have grown tougher in the last month because Knight has been hitting the Jucos hard for Texas Tech. He has gotten commitments from 6-11 Albanian center Ermal Kuqo of Seminole (Okla.) JC and 6-8 Pawel Storozynski of Dodge City (Kan.) CC.

"Bobby Knight's out there getting some good ones," according to Juco recruiting expert Greg Swaim of www.gregswaim.com. "But there are still some good ones who could play at UNLV. Charlie Spoonhour has put together a staff that really likes to recruit. They can offer these big guys a lot of playing time."