By Rob Miech

Fri, Jun 20, 2008 (2 a.m.)

Leila Navidi

Rene Rougeau, a walk-on for the UNLV basketball team, started 27 games last year.

Rene Rougeau moved from the shadows of the UNLV basketball team into the spotlight last season as a junior.

Given his first start, the 6-foot-7 swingman responded with 19 points against Fresno State. He didn’t look back as he displayed the all-around skills that have established him as one of the most versatile players in the country.

A dearth of big Rebels required Rougeau to frequently battle larger foes near the basket last season. With an infusion of post players at UNLV this fall, Rougeau gets to shift to his more natural position out on the wing.

He’ll get reunited with that position during a two-week tour of Australia.

The Rebels leave for Sydney on Monday and will play games against six club teams Down Under. Rougeau will provide the Sun with a regular online diary of his experiences.

Look for Rougeau’s near-daily blogs, at a special site on lasvegassun.com, to begin in the middle of next week.

“I think the fans were more surprised than anything about last season,” he says. “Against Fresno State, I was a little nervous. But God blessed me. I got all the jitters out.”

He led UNLV in blocks, rebounds, shooting and steals, and he prides himself on his discipline, bruising defense and toughness.

Moreover, he is unfazed that he might again be a walk-on. Rebels coach Lon Kruger has one scholarship left for next season, and it’s uncertain whether it will go to Rougeau.

No matter, Rougeau says. His parents are fine with whatever happens, and he actually likes the idea of getting picked in next summer’s NBA Draft as a walk-on.

“I feel I need to be someone everyone can look up to, that energetic man,” Rougeau says. “If I’m diving out on the ground for balls, other guys will, too. I’m just setting that example.”

Apparently, he’s doing exactly what Kruger expected of him.

“He set me up for my junior and senior seasons to be real good years,” Rougeau says. “It’s playing out just like he wanted it. I think Coach knew what he was doing when he put me in the starting lineup.”