Friday, Nov. 17, 2006 | 6:58 a.m.
Mere months after playing for Bishop Gorman High, point guard Marcus Lawrence found his name being called among UNLV's starting quintet Tuesday night against Eastern Washington at the Thomas & Mack Center.
"Oh man, it was great," he said. "Getting your name called like that? I didn't know I'd start that fast. And looking around the crowd and seeing tons of people you know, that was another thing I liked I really appreciate that support."
Lawrence will likely start for a second consecutive game tonight against UC-Santa Barbara , depending on the status of senior Kevin Kruger's right ankle and/or coach Lon Kruger's review of junior swingman Curtis Terry.
Lawrence and Terry had split time at the point in practice leading up to the Eastern Washington game, and coach Kruger told Lawrence on Monday night that he would be starting.
"I was pumped, I'll tell you that much," Lawrence said. "It took me a while to fall asleep."
Lawrence had four points, two assists, a steal and no turnovers in 16 minutes against Eastern Washington. He said Kevin Kruger gave him valuable insight before and during the game, telling him to keep a positive dialogue going with his teammates.
"All positive, nothing negative," Lawrence said. "I remember that specifically."
UNLV might have had some sluggish stretches in its first two games, both victories, but Lawrence doesn't want any fans being too negative or down on the team.
"We have a bunch of good guys. We all get along," he said. "I don't want anybody to sleep on us. That's their opinion. They can think what they want. But we'll come out and play hard all the time. It won't be easy, but we won't be beaten at home.
"We weren't at Gorman. I never got beat at home, and I don't want to lose at the Thomas & Mack Center, either. We'll keep it like that."
Reserve point guard
In spelling Lawrence, Terry scored 10 points and recorded four rebounds, three assists, three steals and three turnovers against Eastern Washington. He played the final six minutes, when Eastern came back from a 10-point deficit to tie it before the Rebels squeezed out an 82-79 victory.
Terry said he's fine with backing up Lawrence.
"Coach gave him the nod," Terry said. "I'm fine with that. Couldn't care less, as long as we win. I'm happy with whatever happens. Marcus has some good points, and there are some points we can improve on as a team.
"We'll get the job done until Kevin comes back."
Shrinking Rebel
Senior Wendell White now tips the scale at 225 pounds, after shedding about 15 pounds off his 6-foot-6 frame with the offseason help of assistant coordinator of strength and conditioning Jason Kabo.
At least four days a week, he went through an extensive program that consisted of running, lifting weights and plyometrics. That regimen and eating properly, mostly salads and small portions, has helped him reduce his body fat from 10 to 5 percent since he arrived in Las Vegas more than a year ago.
His hair is shorter, too, since he said his trademark Afro became too difficult to tend to during the sweltering summer.
He didn't think the Rebels were fortunate to beat Eastern Washington.
"Not lucky," White said. "I'd say we're blessed."
Rebounds
Five minutes into the second half Tuesday, senior guard Michael Umeh launched himself from the left baseline for a powerful dunk. Umeh, who continues to wear black sleeves on both surgically repaired knees, already showed his teammates that he was back, though. "He got one against Hawaii, and seeing that one (Tuesday) shows Mike is back," Terry said. "It's the old Mike, exploding and taking it to the hoop. I hadn't seen him do that in a year and a half, at least. We know Mike's knees are OK. No problem. He's ready to go." Coach Lon Kruger said his son, senior Kevin Kruger, is doubtful for tonight's game. After tweaking his right ankle late last Friday against Hawaii, the younger Kruger has been wearing a dark boot on his right foot Fans who buy a balcony ticket to tonight's game will receive a free balcony ticket to Tuesday's game against Washburn .
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