Bigby’s game, name no longer a mystery after strong outing

Steve Addy

Thursday, Dec. 13, 2001 | 10:22 a.m.

WHAT: UNLV (3-3) at Loyola Marymount (5-3)

WHEN: Saturday, 7:05 p.m.

WHERE: Gersten Pavilion

TV: KFBT Gold 33/Cable 6

RADIO: KBAD 920-AM

Rebels forward Lamar Bigby made a name for himself last Saturday, even if the TV guys got it wrong.

Now he hopes he doesn't return to anonymity on UNLV's bench.

Having appeared in only two of the Rebels' first five games for 17 minutes, Bigby wasn't mentioned at all in Alabama-Birmingham's scouting report. Not surprisingly, the Blazers had no "book" on the 6-foot-4 junior from Detroit.

But after being summoned by coach Charlie Spoonhour late in the first half, Bigby made sure he'll receive attention from future opponents.

In a span of 2:40, he scored the Rebels' final 10 points of the half on two 3-pointers and two put-backs -- UNLV's only offensive boards of the half. He also rimmed out a long 3-pointer at the buzzer that would've given the Rebels a one-point lead.

Broadcasting back to Las Vegas, the ESPN Plus on-air talent didn't catch on any quicker than UAB. They called him Lamar "Rigby" after every basket and at halftime -- roughly 10 times in all. By the time they finally got it right, Bigby's contributions were pretty much over.

"I heard about that," Bigby said. "It's no big deal. My wife (Lonyae) said they got it right in the second half."

Bigby doesn't care what the TV types call him, as long as Spoonhour remembers his name and number -- lucky 13 -- when the Rebels visit Loyola Marymount on Saturday night.

Though Bigby doesn't expect to be locked into the rotation based on one 15-minute stint, he's eager for another chance to give the Rebels a boost. His spark was one of the few positives in a 74-68 loss that dropped UNLV to 3-3, including 0-3 on the road.

"I'm an energy guy. That's how I'm going to play anytime I touch the court," Bigby said. "I don't have any illusions or expectations about getting into the next game. But whenever my chance comes, I'll be ready. I'm always ready to play, no matter what."

Bigby got his chance at UAB because UNLV was getting little production at small forward. His points eclipsed his previous total for the season (10-6) as did his rebounds (6-4).

"He hit some shots and that was nice, but I was looking for somebody to get us some rebounds," Spoonhour said. "We had zero offensive rebounds until he went in the game. He played with some energy and abandon."

Bigby said, "Anybody on the team can rebound. It's just who wants the ball the most, and that's the kind of energy I play with."

In his first extended minutes, Bigby showed a lot of savvy for a guy who didn't play organized ball last year. He starred at Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Mich., two years ago, but attended San Francisco CC last year only to finish his Juco academic work.

"I always knew I could play at this level," Bigby said. "But from where I came from, I'm happy just to wear a UNLV uniform.

"I'm the first person in my family to go to college or even graduate from high school, so being here is a big achievement for me. I'm thankful that God has directed me on this path."

After working around injuries and exams, Wednesday was UNLV's first practice this season with all 16 players. ...

The next basketball luncheon is at noon Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center. Admission is $10.