Center’s potential intrigues Rebels

Even when things are not going his way, Brice Massamba refuses to have a bad day.

UNLV's 6-foot-10-inch freshman has a chance to flourish as a basketball player because of his athletic ability, and what certainly helps his cause is his attitude.

On his scouting report, there will be no mention of Massamba pouting about injuries or playing time.

"You have to stay positive all the time, even when you're down, that's my philosophy," he said. "I'm probably one of the funniest guys on the team."

Massamba hoped to contribute to the Rebels' success this season, but he did not expect to be the team's No. 2 center in mid-December.

That's the position he won in the preseason and still holds today as UNLV (7-2) hosts Western Michigan (2-7) at 4 p.m. at the Orleans Arena.

Massamba's rapid maturation elevated him over 7-foot redshirt freshman Beas Hamga on the depth chart, and contributed to Hamga leaving the team Friday.

Hamga once was labeled the Rebels' center of the future, but he became discouraged after playing in only five of nine games.

"We were pretty close," Massamba said. "I will miss him, but I wish him good luck."

Massamba, backing up junior Darris Santee, has played seven or more minutes in every game and averages 2.1 points and 1.1 rebounds while shooting 61.5 percent from the field.

But it's what he has a chance to do that excites his teammates.

"He's definitely an energy guy. He kind of reminds me of myself," senior Rene Rougeau said. "He's real positive and he's a hard worker. He likes to battle and he talks a lot.

"I like being around him. I take him out with us sometimes. You need guys like that on your team who can have fun. We're all one big family, so there's no need to be shy."

Massamba, born in Congo and raised in Sweden, has three older brothers who made sure he would not be shy.

"I played with my older brother's team and practiced against bigger guys," he said. "I had to grow up a lot of faster, and take hits and everything."

UNLV coach Lon Kruger liked what he saw in Massamba during his two years at Findlay College Prep in Henderson.

"Brice has got a pretty good feel for the game. His instincts are good," Kruger said. "He's got the ability to score in the low post.

"He's got some athletic ability. Right now he's still carrying a little extra weight. As he sheds 10 or 12 more pounds, which he will do over the next year, I think that athletic ability will come out even more."

Massamba said he arrived at college weighing 278 pounds. By eating better, lifting weights and running, his weight is down to 255. He said being lighter on his feet has helped "get my bounce back." He said it with a smile.

"I think I can play much better. I need to start getting rebounds and score more inside," he said.

"I didn't think I was going to play this much, but it feels good that the coaches have confidence in me."

• NOTES -- UNLV and Western Michigan are meeting for the first time. The Rebels are 8-1 all-time against current Mid-American Conference teams ... Kruger cannot use the scholarship Hamga vacated until next fall.

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or (702) 387-2907.