Banks wants role as leader

Steve Addy

Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2001 | 9:54 a.m.

Marcus Banks hasn't played a minute of basketball for UNLV, but he's already eager to hoist the Rebels on to his back.

Coach Charlie Spoonhour is hesitant to assign such responsibility to a new player, even a junior college All-American with Banks' obvious talent.

But as the Rebels' point guard, Banks sees his backcourt leadership as the only way for the team to function as Spoonhour wants, so the Cimarron-Memorial product intends to grab the reins.

Though junior forward Dalron Johnson will likely be the statistical beneficiary, if Banks can fulfill the vast promise of his Dixie College career, opposing coaches will probably view UNLV as his team, regardless of Spoonhour's caution.

"It's not too much weight on my shoulders," Banks said. "I feel like the point guard should take the blame anytime there's a breakdown. It's that way for every point guard in the nation. I'm supposed to be like a coach on the floor. I'll accept that. I love challenges."

Spoonhour knows there are lofty expecations for Banks, a speedy 6-footer who sparked Dixie to third place in last season's national Juco tournament. Banks was chosen the best small player in the tournament, where Spoonhour saw him for the first time.

But after working hard to keep Banks in the Rebels' recruiting class -- he had signed under previous coach Bill Bayno -- Spoonhour doesn't want to unnecessarily burden his new quarterback.

"No matter how good he is, it's hard for a junior college or high school player coming in to be thought of as (the team leader)," Spoonhour said.

"That's not to diminish what I expect Marcus to do, but I wouldn't expect him to think he has to shoulder the whole load. That's not what we want. All I want is for him to be the best he can be. That will be good enough."

But Banks will be heavily involved in everything that happens on the court. He'll be the main ballhandler, he'll likely be the second or third scoring option and his ball pressure out front will be vital in Spoonhour's defensive scheme.

Offensively, at the very least, Banks should be fun to watch. He has the ballhandling skills to go end-to-end, and his slick moves in traffic even call to mind the collegiate Jason Kidd. He's been able to split defenders for easy layups in practice sessions.

Spoonhour is clearly excited by Banks' nimbleness, especially because the Rebels will not be gifted offensively. They'll struggle to score on some nights, and Banks' speed will be a handy asset.

"He can get through gaps, and he's strong enough to finish when he gets there," Spoonhour said.

But, the coach cautioned, "He won't be able to score at will. There will be people who get in front of him (in transition) and he will have to adjust. He'll see that you can't always take it all the way to the goal. There will be times he will have to pull up, and he'll learn that."

At least for now, Banks is leaning toward an aggressive approach.

"If I see an opportunity to get to the basket, I'm going to go," he said. "But I'm going to be smart about it."

If Banks has to pull up, he and Spoonhour are confident in his jump shot. Banks knows his long-range game is viewed as suspect, but says it's because he rarely needed it at Dixie.

"It wasn't that I couldn't shoot," he said. "I would penetrate and kick the ball out, but I never really had anyone do that for me, so I was averaging maybe three jump shots a game. The rest were probably drives, and why not take the easier shot?"

Redshirt transfer Demetrius Hunter (heel surgery) also isn't practicing, but he is eager to join in. He tried to blend into a halfcourt drill Monday, but Spoonhour quickly spotted him and waved him out. "He's tried it before," Spoonhour said with a laugh. ...

Balcony tickets are free for Saturday's exhibition opener against the EA Sports All-Stars. They can be picked up Saturday only at the Thomas & Mack box office. Tipoff is at 7:35 p.m.