Umeh works on taking his game to next level

Friday, April 15, 2005 | 10:17 a.m.

Michael Umeh knows exactly the type of player he wants to become for the last half of his career at UNLV.

Part Kirk Snyder, part Andrew Bogut.

"I hope to develop a more versatile game," he said in between classes Wednesday. "I kind of felt like, when players like Bogut and Snyder would catch the ball, there was a heightened sense of alertness around them when they just caught the ball.

"I want opposing teams to feel that when I catch the ball, that I can make so many things happen. Not even scoring, but just making a good play all the time. I want to be that serious threat just when I catch the ball."

Umeh's transition into that smarter and stronger player has already begun, as he's been hitting the weights with abandon since the Rebels' season ended in South Carolina to the eventual NIT-champion Gamecocks.

He left Wednesday's session, with teammate Ricky Morgan at his side, with a serious look in his eyes.

Umeh never wants to hear those three letters -- N-I-T -- again.

As a freshman, Umeh and UNLV lost at Boise State in the opening round of that other tournament. The Rebels defeated Arizona State at home last month before the defeat to South Carolina.

"Yeah, I'm definitely tired of the NIT," he said. "I do not want to experience that again. The postseason is always fun to play in, don't get me wrong. I do know a lot of teams don't get that opportunity.

"That's just not the tournament we want to go to these next two years."

Umeh, 20, wants to play a major role in returning UNLV back to a regular player in the NCAA tournament that doesn't just show up to college basketball's marquee event hoping to win a game or two.

The departures of Jerel Blassingame, Romel Beck and Odartey Blankson mean Umeh, at 9.7 points a game, will be highest returning scorer in 2005-06.

Umeh said he had a "real good" end-of-season meeting with coach Lon Kruger.

"A lot of positive things were said," Umeh said. "Where the program's going, things he'll do and things we're all expected to do. As long as everyone maintains a good work ethic and attitude, he thinks it'll go in a positive direction.

"Last year was a bit bumpy, up and down. There's still going to be some bumps in where we need to go. But as long as guys are in rhythm and together, we'll be going in a good direction."

Kruger will be responsible for most of his next roster, but the key player might be Umeh, one of Charlie Spoonhour's few remaining holdovers.

A 6-foot-2, 185-pound shooting guard who can play the point for effective stretches, Umeh has shown an ability to be as dangerous from the perimeter as he is driving to the basket.

He's bulking up to be an even stronger slasher, and he will focus on defense -- learning how to read foes' sets better on offense and playing opposing players tighter, a la Marcus Banks, at the other end -- this summer.

"I just want to be able to read the defense better, and be able to press the ball a little better," said Umeh, who had more turnovers than assists in '04-05. "I want to get in better shape, work on ball-handling, develop my mid-range game and be a floor leader, as far as talking."

Last summer, he bolted home to Houston to play in intense pick-up games with best friend and fellow guard Lanny Smith, who will be a junior for the Cougars next season, at the University of Houston and Rice.

This time, Umeh hopes plenty of teammates take his cue and remain in town to work out together and become tighter on the court.

He will work out and play ball during the first session of summer school, then get ahead in his school work by attending classes in the second and third sessions.

Former Rebels Demetrius Hunter and Banks will likely be among the regulars at pick-up sessions at Durango High and Cox Pavilion. Even outside at Sunset Park in 115-degree weather would be fine, Umeh explained, as long as it involves a majority of the team.

"Wherever we can get a game," Umeh said. "The runs haven't been that good around here since I've been here, that's why I went home last summer. But I hope a lot of the new guys and returnees stay out here most of the summer.

The more he talked about his offseason plans, the more he sounded like the leader he aims to become.

"I hope I'm able to lead the way for the new guys," Umeh said, "and help guys coming back understand what this program needs to be about, a family atmosphere on the court.

"That means going to class, doing well in school and pulling for each other, working hard, working together, being there for each other ... and winning."