Rob Miech

Story Archive

Ex-UNLV guard Terry to join African team for season: Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2009; Former UNLV guard Curtis Terry is flying to Africa to play basketball for Petro Luanda, in Luanda, Angola, this season.
The anatomy of a Rebels road losing streak: 1,815 days later, UNLV still seeking a Mountain West road victory; Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009; Once again, UNLV can be thankful for Duke.
The school that the Rebels belted by 30 points for the 1990 NCAA basketball championship owns college football’s longest road losing streak against conference opponents.
Duke has lost 20 consecutive Atlantic Coast Conference games away from Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, N.C.
Liberty unleashes powerful ground game in 34-14 win over Green Valley: Saturday, Sept. 26, 2009; Green Valley High caught Liberty off guard by pooching the opening kickoff Friday night and recovering the football deep in the Patriots’ territory. The Patriots, however, dominated the rest of the way to make their first victory, at 34-14, over the Gators a resounding one.
Shadow Ridge football player says mom is No. 1 coach, inspiration: Zak Hill's mother played basketball at UNR; father is boxer Virgil 'Quicksilver' Hill; Friday, Sept. 25, 2009; Shadow Ridge High senior tailback Zakary Hill sometimes shocks friends and peers when they inquire about his father. Virgil Hill held the WBA light heavyweight title belt for 8 1/2 years. He was 30-0 when he sustained his first loss, to Thomas “Hit Man” Hearns, at Caesars Palace in 1991. Wow, they tell Zak. Your dad is the boxer Virgil Hill? I can’t believe it! The world famous Virgil Hill?
UNLV hoopsters push to limit in preparation for season: Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2009; A week into team workouts, UNLV basketball players have been downright exhausted after sessions on the track and football field.
That’s been the desired effect, according to Rebels assistant coach Steve Henson. The other day, Henson said as much to several players.
You have to want to walk out of here dead tired after 40 minutes, Henson told them. It’s the only way to get ready for the season if you’re going to play that way.
George Tarkanian takes Bonanza High hoops job: Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2009; George Tarkanian is coaching again, at Bonanza High a short walk from his tenured teaching position at the College of Southern Nevada, but he’s not too sure what he’s getting into.
Hawaii defense gives UNLV credit for pivotal drive: Sunday, Sept. 20, 2009; Hawaii cornerback Tank Hopkins didn’t want to talk about it and teammate Spencer Smith offered only 29 words about UNLV’s game-deciding drive late Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium. Compared to his fellow Warriors, linebacker Jake Heun delivered a Gettysburg Address-like speech about Hawaii’s 34-33 defeat before a boisterous crowd of 29,717. “Definitely, the energy was back,” Heun said of the moments that followed his sack of Rebels quarterback Omar Clayton in the game’s final minute. “We just couldn’t get it on the next snap. It happens.
UNLV's challenge: Contain Hawaii QB Greg Alexander: Warriors senior has thrown for 757 yards, completed 69.1 percent of passes through two games; Friday, Sept. 18, 2009; Hawaii senior quarterback Greg Alexander’s initiation into elite college football started at Florida last season and ended in a bowl game against Notre Dame. They were bookends filled with blemishes. Against two of the game’s powerhouse programs, the Warriors wiped out, 56-10 in the former and 49-21 in the latter.
Healthy Jasper looks to fill leadership void: Returning from knee injury, UNLV transfer taking on a bigger role; Thursday, Sept. 17, 2009; The reports on Derrick Jasper’s progress, if not dominance, at UNLV pick-up games in recent months have been impressive.
They have come from Kevin Kruger and Curtis Terry, authorities on all hoop matters scarlet and gray who two years ago helped the Rebels reach their first Sweet 16 since 1991. Terry talked about how Jasper, the 6-foot-6 guard who transferred to UNLV from Kentucky and mended a surgically repaired left knee last season, often drove strong over or through defenders.
Days before team practice, Kruger likes what he sees: Rebels to start brief practice period with full team beginning Wednesday; Monday, Sept. 14, 2009; UNLV basketball coach Lon Kruger has been enthused by what he’s seen in his players during individual workouts over the past few weeks.
He even used the word “fun” in a Twitter post, writing that the 2009-10 version of the Rebels just might be a fun team to root for.
James and Jacquizz Rodgers power Oregon State: The brothers combine for 323 total yards in OSU’s 23-21 victory over UNLV; Sunday, Sept. 13, 2009; The Rodgers brothers insist that Jacquizz did not trail older sibling James from Texas to Oregon State.
“I was not following in his footsteps,” said Jacquizz, a sophomore tailback.
“I don’t think he followed me,” said James, a junior wide receiver. “I think he just came because of his situation. He made his own decision.”
NFL rookie Frank Summers back to support UNLV: Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009; Wearing highlighter-yellow Nikes, jeans, a long white T-shirt and stylish shades, Frank Summers stood on the sideline before tonight’s UNLV game and tossed a football to himself.
The former Rebel looked as if he was itching to put a scarlet-and-gray uniform back on and punish a few Oregon State linebackers in Sam Boyd Stadium.
Not the case, he said.
Oregon State's Las Vegas recruiting success withers: Roster has been emptied of local talent, but Beavers say they aren't giving up; Saturday, Sept. 12, 2009; Oregon State’s football pipeline to Las Vegas has dried up like an ice cube on the Strip in the middle of summer.
When the Beavers visit Sam Boyd Stadium to play UNLV tonight, they will have nobody from Las Vegas on their roster.
Renowned matador featured in South Point's bloodless bullfights: Zotoluco has starred in rings in Mexico, France and Spain; Friday, Sept. 11, 2009; Eulalio “El Zotoluco” Lopez will flirt with half a ton of trouble twice Monday afternoon in the bullring at the South Point Arena when a rare bullfight is staged in Las Vegas. The famous matador is a national hero in Mexico, and he said what gives him an edge, what keeps his senses sharp, is sweating and having a degree of doubt when he enters the ring.
Nephews of hoops greats follow in famous footsteps at Findlay: Two Pilots thrive in memory of late uncles Drazen Petrovic and Dennis Johnson; Wednesday, Sept. 9, 2009; The two nephews of the late basketball stars at times feel the weight of the last names on the back of their jerseys.
However, Marko Petrovic and Nick Johnson, two of the newest Findlay College Prep players, counter those emotions with immense pride in their surnames.
“I’m very proud of that name,” said Petrovic, nephew of the late Drazen Petrovic. “That name left some footsteps in basketball, in Europe and in America. I want to continue that.”
UNLV defense keeps Sacramento State out of end zone: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009; Sacramento State hadn’t been this close to the end zone all night. The Hornets were on the UNLV 20-yard line and looking to earn some honor against the program from the elite division. But the Rebels were relentless on defense and stifled the squad from the former Division I-AA.
Brothers square off at UNLV-Sacramento State game: Sunday, Sept. 6, 2009; Brian and Jason Heath executed the plan to perfection Saturday night at Sam Boyd Stadium. Brian, a senior tight end for Sacramento State, made sure he and Jason, a redshirt freshman left guard for UNLV, lined up opposite each other for the pre-game handshakes involving both teams.
UNLV among many programs vying for Cory Joseph: Findlay standout says there’s no timetable for his decision; Friday, Sept. 4, 2009; Official basketball practice at UNLV doesn’t start for more than a month, the first game is more than two months away and the NCAA tournament is way down the line.
However, this is a big weekend for Rebels hoops. And Louisville. And Kansas. And Minnesota, Ohio State and Marquette, among many others.
UNLV, Sac State are strangers with a common foe: Rebels know little about this weekend’s opponent, but the Rams know them both; Friday, Sept. 4, 2009; UNLV and Sacramento State have never played each other in football. Their respective coaches supposedly don’t know each other. They’ve never even met. The two teams, however, do share Fort Collins, Colo., as a connection.
Former Rebels quarterback seeks 'ultimate' UNLV job: Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009; Not even Orleans owner Michael Gaughan believed Steve Stallworth could secure a basketball game between Kansas and Florida inside his arena. “Quit messing around with these guys,” Gaughan told Stallworth three years ago. “We’re not going to get college basketball to a casino with a sports book.”
High-profile missed catch a source of offseason motivation: Michael Johnson also hoping for more recognition as a receiver; Monday, Aug. 31, 2009; Michael Johnson lay on the Qualcomm Stadium turf with his hands on his helmet, face down in the blades of grass.
“Anguish,” said Johnson, who all summer kept a photo of the scene on his MySpace page for motivation.
Findlay hoops adds two from Turkey: Thursday, Aug. 27, 2009; Findlay College Prep basketball coach Mike Peck polished off his 2009-10 roster, and upgraded his low-post game, with two recent additions from Turkey.
Trotter earns jersey while rebounding from off-field woes: Sanford says junior 'committed completely' to excelling at running back; Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2009; Forty-five minutes before practice Friday night, with every UNLV player and assistant coach watching, Rebels football coach Mike Sanford handed Channing Trotter the black jersey.
Twice before, Trotter had been nominated for the prestigious garment, which Sanford presents to the standout offensive and defensive player from the previous practice. This time, Trotter got it.
He thought, Thank you, Jesus.
Slimmer, stronger Massamba out to prove he belongs: Monday, Aug. 24, 2009; Darly Massamba picked up younger brother Brice at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport in May and didn’t hold back during their 45-minute drive home to Sodertalje. In his first basketball season at UNLV, Brice averaged 2 points and 1.3 rebounds. He had more personal fouls (42) than boards (34).
No number, no problem for new Rebels tight end: Jordan Barrett feeling at home at UNLV; Sunday, Aug. 23, 2009; The most rousing explosion in the Sam Boyd Stadium stands Saturday night came on a 2-yard pass reception by the only player not wearing a numbered jersey at the UNLV football scrimmage. Jordan Barrett, a Rebel for all of eight days, didn’t miss his father and mother, three younger brothers, girlfriend, grandmother, aunt and uncle, and two nephews.
The Elevator: Big hitters: Saturday, Aug. 22, 2009; Who’s going to the penthouse in local sports and who’s getting the shaft.
Official says don't discount Las Vegas from World Cup talk (UPDATED): Thursday, Aug. 20, 2009
Former UNLV swimmer making a splash with Team Canada: Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2009; Former UNLV swimmer Joe Bartoch and the rest of Team Canada had been away from home for more than a month when the world championships ended in Rome. They itched to backstroke or butterfly home through the Mediterranean and across the pond, but they still had to compete in the British Grand Prix in Leeds, England. It was an auspicious splash at the John Charles Centre for Sport, and Bartoch hasn’t minded extending his stay in Europe with a victory romp through Croatia as a world-record holder.
UNLV leader weighs options in selecting athletic director: President realizes sports are ‘gateway to the community’; Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2009; In his 10 days as UNLV’s acting president, Dr. Neal Smatresk has learned plenty about the university’s relationship with athletics.
Kruger gives fans their offseason Rebels hoops fix: UNLV coach hosts weekend book signing amid summer lull; Monday, Aug. 17, 2009; If it’s the middle of August, it must be time to talk UNLV basketball with coach Lon Kruger. Then again, there’s never a bad time to chat with him about his players or his program.
Sports Illustrated says Rebels football will go 8-4 this season: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
Wink Adams to play hoops in Turkey: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009
Tark recuperating amid visits from well-wishers: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009; SAN DIEGO – A son-in-law helped Jerry Tarkanian inch toward a couch, where he gingerly took a seat. The neck brace did not allow for much turning of his head, so he mostly looked straight ahead.
At a wall.
Had he been turned 90 degrees to his left, Tark the Shark would have had the benefit of a beautiful blue sight – the Pacific Ocean.
UNLV assistant headed to sports Hall of Fame in Kansas: Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009; Growing up in central Kansas, UNLV assistant basketball coach Steve Henson dreamed of Olympic decathlon glory and appearing on Wheaties cereal boxes from coast to coast. “That was my goal and plan and dream,” he said. “I really believed I was one of the top handful of decathletes in the country.”
Former Rebels predict exciting basketball season ahead: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009; Over submarine sandwiches Wednesday, former UNLV basketball players Curtis Terry and Kevin Kruger predicted that Rebels fans should be excited about the 2009-10 season.
Former UNLV standouts set sights on the next level: Kevin Kruger, Curtis Terry looking for edge to advance in basketball; Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009; A few days ago, Kevin Kruger rousted Curtis Terry by carrying his laptop into Terry’s room and playing a YouTube recording of the UNLV fight song at high volume.
It rousted Kruger, too.
“That song still gives me goose bumps every time I hear it,” Kruger said. “It’s crazy. It means so much every time I hear it. I don’t know, subconsciously I remember what we did and what we had.
“The glory days.”
Terry smiled.
Joseph and Thompson to play in Rucker Park all-star game: Wednesday, Aug. 5, 2009
Tarkanian released from hospital: Thursday, July 30, 2009
Pilots add the late Dennis Johnson's nephew to roster: Thursday, July 30, 2009
Longtime Vegas ref finds his spot in Hall of Fame: Scotland native a 'wee bit nervous' in prepping for New York ceremony; Tuesday, July 28, 2009; John Kennedy returned home to Scotland in May and got the royal treatment on a tour of Ibrox Stadium, home of his beloved Rangers, where he was introduced to club officials and players.
Colangelo gets basketball ‘fix’ from U.S. hoops squad: Coach K credits him for keeping continuity with Team USA; Monday, July 27, 2009; In the alley behind his home on 22nd Street in Hungry Hill, on the south side of Chicago, someone tossed 7-year-old Jerry Colangelo a basketball.
“Just the smell of that ball meant so much to me,” he says of that moment in 1946. “It was the beginning of a love affair. Been that way ever since.”
Grizzlies forward battles for spot on national team: Rudy Gay hopes he showed enough at Vegas mini-camp to make it; Sunday, July 26, 2009; It wasn’t just a middle-of-the-summer pick-up basketball game with some friends and a few acquaintances to Rudy Gay. Saturday night at the Thomas & Mack Center, the former Connecticut star and forward for the Memphis Grizzlies showed how much he wants to be part of the U.S. senior national team.
LIVE BLOG: Gay gets 27, but Blue gets 100-81 Showcase win: Saturday, July 25, 2009
Players clamoring to play for the red, white and blue on Team USA: Saturday, July 25, 2009; Jerry Colangelo and Mike Krzyzewski and Kobe Bryant and LeBron James made wearing the red, white and blue cool again, and it helped that those colors have been trimmed in gold since August. Colangelo assembled the U.S. national basketball squad, coached by Duke boss Mike Krzyzewski, that defeated Spain for the title at the Olympics last year in Beijing. It took a few years, but young elite players are now clamoring to be a part of Team USA and play with Bryant, James, Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony.
Randolph reports for duty — on U.S. national basketball team: Friday, July 24, 2009; Anthony Randolph Jr. got the call to serve his country the other day and quickly called his parents. Anthony Sr. and Crystal served in the U.S. Army. “They both cried,” said Junior, who parlayed a blistering NBA Summer League performance into a spot on the U.S. national basketball team.
Next hoops squad will include Winston Shepard: Thursday, July 23, 2009
Tark out of ICU, might leave La Jolla hospital soon: Wednesday, July 22, 2009
With exit of athletic director, UNLV sports heavyweights ponder future: Wednesday, July 22, 2009; Lon Kruger, Cliff Findlay and Tina Kunzer-Murphy convened in Couer d’Alene, Idaho, over the weekend to design the future of the UNLV athletic department in the wake of Mike Hamrick’s departure. Hamrick left the Rebels’ post as athletic director Monday for the same job at Marshall, his alma mater.
Coach K's return to Team USA won't be a surprise: Monday, July 20, 2009
Hamrick leaves Las Vegas with 'mixed emotions': Rebels athletic director returns home to lead Marshall program; Monday, July 20, 2009; Mike Hamrick wouldn’t have left his post as athletic director at UNLV for any other program, other than his alma mater, he said late Monday afternoon from Huntington, W.Va.
A few hours earlier, Hamrick was introduced as the next athletic director at Marshall, where he played linebacker in the late 1970s.