On paper, Rice’s staff a perfect fit

Stacey Augmon was holding a water bottle, squeezing it just enough that a crackling noise was audible.

You know things have changed when none of the assembled media looked as if they might duck.

A major piece to UNLV basketball's past glory is home, having accepted an assistant coaching position on Dave Rice's staff. Augmon played 15 years in the NBA for five teams and was most recently a player development coach for the Nuggets.

He at no time wanted to be Charlie Sheen on a media tour.

"I know (interviews) is something I have to do now," Augmon said. "I wasn't willing to do it (in the past). I didn't say anything, which left the door open for you guys to write anything. I didn't mind. Good or bad publicity is still publicity. I learned that early in my career."

Associate head coach Justin Hutson said: "Stacey brings us instant credibility. The student-athletes we have now and recruits will be mesmerized by his career here at UNLV and in the NBA. The perception and reality of Stacey will be huge for us. What he has done and what he can teach is invaluable."

The good news for Augmon is that he could not speak another word to reporters while here and do a terrific job. His is a resume that will open the eyes of recruits who dream of wearing an NBA uniform, which is to say every one. His is a defensive mind that could allow the Rebels to be as good as any team nationally when trying to stop others. His is an intimate knowledge of the heights UNLV once reached.

Augmon is a good hire today.

He has the potential to become a great one.

On paper, which is worth less than the plastic water bottle the Plastic Man held Tuesday, Rice has convened a staff with different strengths and yet all important ones when building a program. It still doesn't guarantee beating Wisconsin or even UC Riverside, but it's as promising as one could desire in early May.

Hutson is as good of a recruiter as the college game knows and a coach directly responsible for much of the way San Diego State defended in recent seasons, which was outstanding most nights. Heath Schroyer is a former head coach who can help guide Rice through different aspects both on and off the court one faces when sitting in the main chair.

Schroyer can also be a 14 on a 1-to-10 sideline Richter Scale for animation and pacing, which could really be fun if Rice has to tackle him at any point.

"We love Coach Schroyer's passion and enthusiasm for the game," said Rice, already a pro at countering questions from sarcastic columnists with supportive words. "All three (assistants) are really good at what they do and will continue to get better. We're all committed to winning."

Rice still must fill his director of operations spot, but the heavy lifting is done. What this staff says more than anything is the head coach arrives how we thought he would, without ego or concern for his name dominating headlines. Rice wants most to win games and has put people around him who can make that happen.

He will not micromanage. He will allow coaches to coach and recruiters to recruit.

What we have no idea about is whether Rice will wear a jacket on the sidelines during games or opt for the white dress shirt and tie he sported during his time at Brigham Young.

"It might depend on how we're shooting the ball that night," Rice said. "Our teams at BYU made a lot of shots, so the white shirt might be the way to go."

If the Rebels shoot as they often did the past few seasons, Rice could be barking out plays in a parka.

These are the things you talk about in early May -- dress attire and an over-under of four seconds for Schroyer remaining in his seat on opening night.

And yet on a day when Rice's new staff faced anyone with a camera and notebook, the most telling quote came from a guy who for years saw a member of the media and acted the part of mime.

"We just have to win," Augmon said. "There is no other way. You can write all the Xs and Os and bring in this person and that person. But you define (your program) by winning."

On paper, it's a very solid staff.

Come November, paper has to begin proving itself.

Las Vegas Review-Journal sports columnist Ed Graney can be reached at egraney@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-4618. He can be heard from 3 to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday on "Monsters of the Midday," Fox Sports Radio 920 AM. Follow him on Twitter: @edgraney.