Miller borrows from legends to improve

Wednesday, Oct. 19, 2005 | 7:15 a.m.

Miller time

Regina Miller's coaching record at UNLV:

1998-99: 17-11

1999-00: 17-12

2000-01: 19-10 **

2001-02: 23-8 *

2002-03: 17-12 **

2003-04: 26-8 **

2004-05: 16-15

* NCAA bid ** WNIT bid

In her unabashed quest to improve herself as a coach and her program, eighth-year UNLV women's basketball coach Regina Miller will use any ideas and tap every source to gain an edge.

That led her to adapting principles of the triangle offense into her system in the off-season, when she reviewed videotape and read books by that scheme's masters, Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter and Kansas State coach Jim Wooldridge.

Miller also has borrowed from respected Villanova women's coach Harry Perretta. And she believes she has enough veteran post talent -- such as senior Sherry McCracklin and junior transfer Faye Muller -- to combat tight man-to-man defenses with the triangle.

That quest also led Miller last month to Knoxville, Tenn., where she had a sit-down with Volunteers coach Pat Summit, who incorporates triangle wrinkles in her motion offense.

Miller has known Summit for years, but this was her first private meeting with one of the game's legendary coaches.

"To sit with her, a pioneer in our sport, was a remarkable experience for me," Miller said. "We talked about a lot of different things, like playing against a zone defense and various offenses. You have to learn from the best."

Miller tapped into Summit's recruiting philosophies and watched Summit run her team through a two-hour practice under the NCAA's new relaxed practice guidelines.

"Coaches don't re-invent the wheel," Miller said. "We pick and pull from other places that have been successful. That's what coaching is about. I want to develop as much as possible."

IN THIRD GEAR

McCracklin, a 6-foot-2 forward/center from Hazel Crest, Ill., is playing at about 80 percent strength after missing all of last season with a torn right Achilles' tendon, Miller said.

"It's a tough injury for her to come back from," Miller said. "Hopefully, as we continue through the season, she can get back to 100 percent."

McCracklin, one of the nation's top rebounders and a Mountain West Conference first-teamer as a junior, had never suffered an injury of any type before the Achilles' tear.

"Psychologically, it's been pretty tough for her," Miller said. "I do know that she's really committed to playing this season, and she's been doing everything possible, over the last six months, to get back."

IN SHAPE

Almost a week into practice, the Lady Rebels have most impressed Miller with their physical condition.

Because 10 of her 11 returnees spent most of the summer in Las Vegas, Miller has noted a togetherness that should provide leadership for underclassmen. That has manifested itself in workouts and diet.

"The team has come back in much better shape than a year ago," Miller said. "I try to encourage them to eat as healthy as possible, but they're college students. Most college students love pizza at night and eat a lot of fast food off campus.

"With the training staff, we try to educate them on how to eat carbs and proteins, and the value of fruits and grains, instead of fries and pizza."

KEY DATES

* Nov. 12: Grand Canyon (exhibition), 2 p.m.

* Nov. 14: Melbourne Roos (exhibition), 7 p.m.

* Nov. 18: Alabama State (season opener), DePaul tournament

* Nov. 25: Stephen F. Austin (home opener), Lady Rebel Shootout