Banks making rapid gains

Steve Addy

Friday, Dec. 28, 2001 | 11:29 a.m.

Next up

Quick hands and feet aren't the only speedy assets of UNLV point guard Marcus Banks. He's also proving to be a quick study.

Though refinements are needed, Banks has made a quiet, assured transition from junior college All-American to dependable Division I player as he heads into his 10th Rebels game tonight against Tennessee State.

The highly touted product of Dixie College (and Cimarron-Memorial HS) was plagued by poor outside shooting, traveling calls and tentative decision-making in UNLV's first six games. But he made great strides in the past three games while playing 110 of 120 minutes.

In those games, the 6-foot-1 junior averaged 22 points (up from 11.3), shot 50 percent from the field (up from 45.4) and committed only seven turnovers (he had 25 previously). He also had 12 steals after making only eight in the first six games.

But other improvements aren't as easy to quantify. Though his season assist total (24) won't remind anyone of Mark Dickel or Greg Anthony, Banks' wisdom with the ball improved tenfold in the past two weeks against Loyola Marymount, Nevada-Reno and Texas.

After averaging more than four turnovers a game in the first six, mainly because he wouldn't downshift on the fast break, Banks has displayed a better feel for when he should beat a path of the basket, dish to an open teammate, or back off and set up in the halfcourt.

He has also become one of the Rebels' most versatile offensive players. He can break down his defender with his dribble and scurry up the lane, he has been impressive on post-ups (in the right matchup) and his jump shot has become more consistent inside 18 feet.

All in all, even if he isn't a prototypical pass-first point guard, Banks' adjustment has been as seamless as coach Charlie Spoonhour could've expected.

"He's been good, and he can get better," Spoonhour said. "We've played some good guards, so he's had a pretty good indoctrination. He is doing fine."

Though Spoonhour wants Banks to work on his defense and rebounding, his improvement hasn't gone unnoticed.

"It's fairly evident he's made adjustments. He's doing things with more of a plan," Spoonhour said.

Banks said better patience has been the main component in his recent strides. That has helped him reduce unforced turnovers and needless fouls. His seven turnovers over the last three games are one fewer than he committed against Georgia Southern on Dec. 1.

"I'm taking my time and trying to pick my spots, instead of just going in and making something happen," he said. "On defense, now I see that you can't play that aggressive on the guards. I've toned it down a little, and they haven't been calling me for as many fouls."

Even when Banks struggled in the early going, Spoonhour rarely lost patience. With 282 minutes, Banks leads the team, and he's been the minutes leader in six games. He has led the Rebels in scoring three times, including a career-high 26 Saturday against Texas.

"That night, my shot was there," Banks said. "But I still see myself as a point guard."

Though Banks made six steals against Texas, he had no assists, but Spoonhour doesn't sound worried that his point guard is averaging only 2.7 assists. He doesn't think that statistic accurately reflects Banks' value.

"I guess you don't get an assist if (Lou) Kelly comes off a curl and scores," Spoonhour said. "I thought it was an assist if you pass the ball to a guy who can shoot it. To me, a curl is the same as a penetrate-and-pass."

Another aspect of Banks' game that can't be explained is his 53-percent foul shooting, which was costly in the 87-78 loss to Texas. While hitting 8-of-14 field goals, Banks went only 8-of-17 at the line.

"I know Marcus will improve that," Spoonhour said. "I don't have to say anything to him."

But that hasn't stopped others from offering remedies.

"Last year I shot 80 percent on free throws, so I don't know what's going on," Banks said. "Now everybody is giving me tips. Everyone has something to say, and it's hard to tune it out. Even when you say you're not going to listen, you're still listening."

archive