UNLV notebook: Rice wasn’t ready to give Smith a lot of minutes in big game

By Taylor Bern

Friday, Dec. 23, 2011 | 8:50 p.m.

UNLV fans clamoring for Reggie Smith shouldn’t be too disappointed by his minutes, or lack thereof, against California.

He’s not hurt and he hasn’t fallen out of favor. He just needs more time.

“This would have been a hard game to play Reggie, just because it’s a high-level game and he’s just getting going,” UNLV coach Dave Rice said. “But we have not lost any confidence in him at all.”

Smith played nine minutes in his debut against Louisiana-Monroe, registering three points, two rebounds and three turnovers.

On Friday, the Rebel student section started chanting “Reg-gie” and “We want Reg-gie” midway through the second half. He entered the game with 40.7 seconds on the clock and the outcome clearly determined.

He missed one shot and hit 1-of-2 free throws. He also grabbed one rebound.

With three non-conference games remaining, all against very beatable opponents, Smith will likely be worked in with more significant minutes each game as UNLV prepares for conference play.

Kruger Christmas card

Former Rebel Kevin Kruger took emcee duties on the video screen Friday to introduce UNLV.

Kruger wished the Rebels and their fans happy holidays from his entire family, which of course includes former coach Lon Kruger. The crowd cheered for Kruger, suggesting that both sides feel OK about Lon’s decision to leave for Oklahoma last season.

Kruger recorded the video when he was in town earlier in the week for the Louisiana-Monroe game.

Thomas off and running

Junior forward Quintrell Thomas picked up where he left off in Chicago, registering eight points and six rebounds in 15 minutes.

Thomas missed Monday’s game against Louisiana-Monroe because of a turf toe injury on his left foot that he suffered in the second half against Illinois.

Rice said Thomas could have played in an emergency situation on Monday, which would have basically required forwards Brice Massamba and Carlos Lopez to knock each other unconscious, but that all parties decided it would be best to rest.

On Friday, Thomas hit a 17-foot jumper and looked really aggressive around the rim on offense and defense. He should be fine going forward.

Taylor Bern can be reached at 948-7844 or [email protected]. Follow Taylor on Twitter at twitter.com/taylorbern.