Got questions? We have the answers

Steve Addy

Friday, Nov. 16, 2001 | 12:47 p.m.

Ten questions and answers about the 2001-02 Rebels:

1. Is there a fresh atmosphere around the team after last season's mess?

Absolutely. The coaching upheaval is over, NCAA sanctions aren't proving unmanageable and the players get along better without Kaspars Kambala around. It wasn't all his fault, but teammates were frosted by Kambala's personality on and off the court. Because he was so pivotal to the game plan, it became doubly hard for the team to win. That cloud and others have lifted.

2. After two years in retirement, is coach Charlie Spoonhour serious about rebuilding the program?

He hasn't said how long he plans to coach, but the 62-year-old seems refreshed by his time off. Some fans feared Spoonhour took the job out of convenience, but after 15 minutes at one of his practices, they would find that is not the case. He and his coaches are committed to teaching and winning, and the players appear buoyed by their enthusiasm.

3. The Rebels intend to win with defense. Is that their best hope?

That strategy best suits their personnel. Besides, Spoonhour made his reputation with tenacious defense and that's not going to change now. He devised his zone press 40 years ago and it has been his staple ever since. He won't mind a player missing a good shot, but if the guy doesn't defend, he's going to sit on the bench, whether he's a star or a reserve.

4. Can the Rebels outrebound anyone?

That's likely to be a problem, but it can be minimized with defensive intensity. The Rebels need to put tremendous pressure on the ball to create turnovers and prevent passes into the post. If they can limit opponent's opportunities in the first place, the less rebounding will be a factor. Sounds pretty good in theory, but reality might be considerably different.

5. Will they have enough shooters?

Probably not, but that's another area that can be mitigated with good defense. UNLV needs to force turnovers and get easy baskets in transition, because it doesn't appear to have the firepower to outgun teams. Dalron Johnson is solid from 17 feet, and Lafonte Johnson and Lou Kelly have 3-point range, but the Rebels are going to require plenty of layups and backdoor baskets.

6. Sounds like the Rebels sure need Jermaine Lewis. What is his status?

The senior shooting guard is still rehabbing his right knee after undergoing surgery in May, robbing UNLV of its best outside shooter. The Rebels hope he'll be ready by late December, but it could be January. Lewis is pondering sitting out as a medical redshirt, but that would clog the guard rotation next season when transfer Demetrius Hunter becomes eligible.

7. So who will start at shooting guard and small forward?

How's this for a copout: it depends. The Rebels might not have the scoring to recover from big early deficits, so Spoonhour favors defensive reliability among his starters. That means Vince Booker might play the first part of each half at shooting guard, with Chris Richardson at small forward. Spoonhour likes Richardson's ability to guard the wings and still crash the boards.

8. Who will be the Rebels' best newcomer?

If it's not point guard Marcus Banks, that won't be a good sign. He arrives at UNLV with a fine resume and obvious talent, but his transition from Juco ball might take a while, as he showed in the exhibitions. Also keep an eye on freshman guard Ernest Turner, who has a nose for the basket and might be starting by midseason, defense willing.

9. Who will be the best team in the Mountain West?

On pure talent, no one is close to Wyoming. The Cowboys are loaded, though they'll be without injured point guard Chris McMillian for a spell. They have a big front line with all-leaguer Josh Davis (6-8), Ugo Udezue (6-8) and Uche Nsonwu-Amadi (6-10), plus all-MWC pick Marcus Bailey at shooting guard. If they don't stumble on the road, they could win the league easily.

10. What's your prediction for the Rebels?

There are too many unanswered questions to pick them higher than fourth, and that might be optimistic considering the likely improvement of San Diego State and New Mexico. But the Rebels are hosting the MWC tournament again. If they improve and stay healthy, maybe they can sweep three games at home, win the automatic bid and crash the NCAA Tournament.