Darger’s central concern: victories

Without complaining, UNLV senior Joe Darger, a natural small forward, went right back to playing center against Utah on Saturday. It didn't surprise anyone in the Rebels' locker room.

The 6-foot-7-inch, 225-pound Darger played the post for most of last season -- and played it well -- when UNLV lacked a true center.

His days playing center appeared to be behind him, and many players with his ability to make 3-pointers probably would have said good riddance. Then Darger was assigned to guard 7-2 Utah center Luke Nevill for the final 11 minutes of the Rebels' 75-65 home victory.

"A lot of guys probably think Joe is frustrated playing (center), but he loves it," guard Wink Adams said. "He loves going down banging."

Darger was a defensive force, much like he was last season, holding Nevill to two points. Until the switch, Nevill had scored 12.

Darger seems to approach each game willing to do whatever his team needs -- rebounding, shooting 3-pointers, giving up 7 inches and 40 pounds to guard an all-conference center.

He took only three shots and scored four points in 29 minutes against the Utes. In UNLV's previous game, he shot just three times but had nine points and seven rebounds in 30 minutes of a 76-70 victory at Brigham Young.

"Joe's attitude of whatever will help the team win is as good as you can get," coach Lon Kruger said.

Darger's scoring average has dipped from 11.3 points last season to 9.2 entering Saturday, when the Rebels (16-4, 4-2 Mountain West Conference) play at 1 p.m. at Air Force (9-10, 0-6).

With guard Tre'Von Willis becoming a bigger factor offensively, UNLV has three scorers it can turn to. Adams, Willis and guard Rene Rougeau each average more than 11 points.

The scoring opportunities for Darger seem to be fewer. But if Adams continues his recent effort to drive inside, that could create chances for the sharp-shooting Darger.

"Wink can beat pretty much anyone one on one, so (opponents) are going to have to help on him," Darger said. "And when they help on him, that's going to open up on the outside."

Darger said it doesn't matter what he's asked to do, his prime concern is winning.

No doubt he proved that last season by playing center. Having success down low prepared him for the Utah game. Kruger went with a four-guard lineup down the stretch that put Darger on Nevill.

Because of Darger's performance last season, Kruger said, there was no fear about making such a move.

Darger showed there was little to be concerned about.

"It definitely helped out, not only playing post but playing against Nevill last year," Darger said, pointing out that UNLV post players Brice Massamba and Darris Santee had never faced Nevill before. "Knowing some of his tendencies and some of the things I would try to take away worked out."

Contact reporter Mark Anderson at manderson@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2914.