FIRST BASKETBALL PRACTICE COMPLETED
While college basketball teams play together throughout the year, the NCAA mandates the allowable periods for programs to hold official practices.
So, technically, the first practice of the season for the UNLV men's basketball team was Friday morning at the Thomas & Mack Center.
The first thing that stood out was the amount of players in the program.
With all the returning players, newcomers, walk-ons and transfers sitting out the year, it almost looked like two teams were on the court.
Depth is always important, and the more talented bodies you have available, the better for the development of the program.
The abilities of returning starters Wink Adams, Joe Darger and Rene Rougeau are well known, so most eyes were on some of the unknown commodities.
Some of the guys haven't been around before.
Oscar Bellfield, Brice Massamba, DeShawn Mitchell and Darris Santee will all be playing in their first year at UNLV.
The new season may be even more exciting for Beas Hamga and Tre'Von Willis.
Both players had to sit out last season, although they did practice.
Hamga feels the difference this season.
"You would try to prepare yourself as you would for a game, but in your heart, you know it's different," he said.
Several players this year are in a similar situation to where Hamga and Willis were last season.
Derrick Jasper (Kentucky), Chace Stanback (UCLA) and Steve Jones (Arizona State) all transferred into the program and will practice with the team, but cannot play in games. Jasper, however, did not participate Friday morning because of a minor injury.
Matt Shaw is also out of action as he will miss the season with a knee injury.
FORMER REBEL WATCHES PRACTICE
Sidney Green took in Friday morning's practice.
The former UNLV All-American will serve as the color commentator on a few local UNLV television broadcasts.
"Coach Kruger actually called and asked me if I would do it," he said. "I've always told him I would do anything he needed; he kept me in mind."
Green has been busy in recent years coaching and watching his son, NBA player and former Florida star Taurean Green. But he still has kept up on the progress of his alma mater and is optimistic about its potential.
"Once a Rebel, always a Rebel," he said. "They've got some great players with great character on this team, and the best is yet to come."
Former Rebel Richard Box sat with Green and took in practice as well.
ANOTHER RANKING
It seems just about every publication and sports Web site in existence does top 25 rankings. UNLV has appeared in many of the preseason polls.
Not all of them are worth noting, but some are more recognizable than others.
Andy Katz released his final preseason poll for ESPN.com and has the Rebels ranked No. 24.
"UNLV should be once again a showstopper in Vegas for its ability to stay atop the Mountain West," he wrote of the Rebels.
He noted an offense that has had some tough stretches over the last two successful seasons as one of the team's concerns.
"The Runnin' Rebels can be offensively challenged at times. If there are more scoring options, the Rebels can be a steady team throughout the season."
Also today, The Sporting News ranked UNLV at No. 24 in its preseason poll.
ROUGEAU IN COMPETITION OFF THE COURT
Senior Rene Rougeau will find out during Saturday night's football game if he is the 2008 UNLV Homecoming King.
Voting wrapped up early in the week, but the results will not be known until they are announced on the field at halftime.
FIRSTLOOK 2008
The team will host FirstLook 2008 at the Thomas & Mack Center at 9 p.m. today.
The event will be an open practice for all UNLV fans.
Doors open at 8:15 p.m.
ESPN's Kenny Mayne will be the host of the event via video on the arena's new high-definition screens.
