Banks set to become Rebel

Steve Addy

Wednesday, April 11, 2001 | 10:33 a.m.

The Rebels won't add any basketball recruits today, but they have gotten a fresh commitment from one November signee and a strong vote of confidence from another.

Juco point guard Marcus Banks, from Dixie College and Cimarron-Memorial High School, told UNLV coach Charlie Spoonhour on Tuesday that he'll honor his national letter of intent signed under previous coach Bill Bayno.

Also, shooting guard recruit Ernest Turner from Sterling High School in Somerdale, N.J., will probably also honor his November letter with UNLV, guardian Rick Barrett told the Sun.

Spoonhour said the Rebels wouldn't sign anyone when the spring period opens today, but by keeping Banks and probably Turner, he cleared two tall hurdles in bringing continuity to the program.

Not only were Banks and Turner backing interim coach Max Good to gain the permanent job, but Banks is coming off a national Juco tournament performance that drew inquiries from North Carolina, Kentucky, Louisville and St. John's.

The 6-2 guard was given the Bud Obee Award as the "best small player" last month at the Juco finals in Hutchinson, Kan. Dixie took third place.

"I had the luxury of watching Marcus there and he's very good," Spoonhour said. "I liked his ability to break down defenses, his court demeanor, everything about him. We're very happy he's coming here. It's important for our staff to maintain a relationship with the previous recruits and the players already here."

Banks said he stayed out of loyalty to UNLV and because Spoonhour made a good impression in their meeting last Friday in Las Vegas.

"It was a great meeting," Banks said Tuesday from St. George, Utah. "(Spoonhour) is an honest guy. He's all business and he's a great coach. He coached Larry Hughes at Saint Louis and he's a great player. I think he (Spoonhour) can be good for me, too.

"I just wanted to be loyal to UNLV. A lot of schools started calling. But coach Good was a good guy, a loyal guy. By staying with UNLV, I feel like I'm showing honor to (Good)."

But Spoonhour also got Banks excited by outlining his plans for the team.

"Coach wants to play an up-tempo game, pick up the defense fullcourt and get out and run. That's what I like," Banks said. "We're going to get buckets off our defense."

Banks also consulted with Dalron Johnson and other current Rebels to make sure they intend to stay with the team.

"Dalron and those guys are going to stay," Banks said. "It wouldn't make sense for anyone to transfer and sit out a year. I think we have a good chance to win next season. The team will play hard. I want to win, and I know coach Spoonhour wants to win."

Turner, UNLV's other early signee, will probably re-commit to the Rebels this week, Barrett said.

"Ernest met with (Spoonhour) on Saturday and he really liked him," Barrett said. "Right now, Ernest is leaning toward staying. I think he's going to wind up at UNLV. I don't think (Banks') decision will impact Ernest's, but I think Ernest will decide by Friday that he's going to UNLV."

Spoonhour plans to award two more scholarships and is targeting junior college big men, but said no signings are imminent.

"The perimeter is looking pretty good, and now we're looking for some help on the inside," Spoonhour said.