Rebels hopeful Smith will give opposing teams headaches

As a high school sophomore, Reggie Smith suffered a concussion in an unusual way.

"I actually hit my head on the backboard," he said, "and I came down and hit my head on the ground."

Listed at 6 feet, Smith admits he's closer to 5-11. Either way, it's obvious the UNLV sophomore guard is an explosive athlete, and the dunking exhibition he staged in the basketball team's public scrimmage two weeks ago served as proof.

Smith, who transferred from Marquette in January, threw down a dunk that became a YouTube highlight.

"It was the first time a lot of people were able to see me play, so I tried to put on a show and just have a good time," he said.

Since then, Smith has been sidelined by another head injury. Rebels senior Brice Massamba, a 6-10, 245-pound center, inadvertently swung an elbow that caught Smith on the left temple and floored him during a practice on Oct. 20.

UNLV athletic trainer Dave Tomchek held Smith out for almost a week because of concussion-like symptoms, and Smith returned Thursday to full-contact practices.

"Doctors and everyone have been talking about concussions and how serious they are, so Dave was very cautious about the situation and he wasn't letting me play, which I understand," Smith said.

"I had major headaches for three or four days in a row. Now I don't feel any headaches. I'm 100 percent back to normal."

It will be more than six weeks before Smith sees any action aside from what he gets in practice. Because he played in eight games for Marquette last year before transferring, Smith won't be eligible to play until the semester break in December.

Smith cannot play Tuesday in the Rebels' exhibition against Washburn (Kan.) at the Thomas & Mack Center.

"It's killing me not being able to play at the start of the season, but I'm trying to take the anger and make it into a positive thing and just play as hard as I can," said Smith, who has 2½ seasons of eligibility remaining.

Smith is running as the second-team point guard, backing up senior Oscar Bellfield and junior Anthony Marshall.

"With the energy Reggie brings, he is really important for us for practice," UNLV coach Dave Rice said.

Smith transferred to play for former coach Lon Kruger, but he's probably a better fit for Rice's more up-tempo system.

"He's definitely quick and athletic, so our job is to make sure we utilize that on both ends of the floor," Rebels associate head coach Justin Hutson said. "He should be a terror on the defensive end, and he should be able to really push the ball on the offensive end. We are very happy with the way he is shooting the ball in practice."

Smith's official return is set for Dec. 17, when the Rebels face Illinois at the United Center in Chicago, where Smith was a prep star.

"When the time comes, I'll sure be ready for it, especially when it's my hometown," he said. "I'm so anxious to get back."

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