In a city known for spectacular, big budget shows presented in billion dollar hotel-casino mega resorts, one of the longest running, most successful shows in all of Sin City doesn’t even take place on the world famous Las Vegas Strip.
During a twenty-seven year run that has produced hundreds of victories and an ever changing cast of characters, the UNLV Runnin’ Rebels have called the corner of Tropicana and Swenson, and the Thomas & Mack Center, home. And though the program’s dominant run during the late-eighties and early nineties doubtless remains the unquestionable height of this particular show’s success, the 2010-11 edition of the Runnin’ Rebels hopes to conjure up memories of the good old days.
For the Rebels, who return all five starters from a 25-win, NCAA Tournament team, the start of a new season likely can’t come soon enough. To call the off-season a tumultuous one would be like referring to Lindsay Lohan’s adulthood as “eventful.”
The Rebels’ nightmarish off-season began and ended with the loss of key reserves. In April, forward Matt Shaw saw his UNLV career end after a positive test for marijuana. Months later, during an August workout, the team’s best 3-point shooter, guard Kendall Wallace, suffered a torn ACL, ending his season as well.
Then, of course, there was the drama surrounding the Rebels star player, Tre’Von Willis.
Willis, the Rebels leading scorer, and a Mountain West first team all-conference performer a season ago, was arrested in late June on charges that he choked a female acquaintance. The senior guard, who vehemently denied the battery charges, ultimately reached a plea agreement, pleading no contest to a misdemeanor. Coach Lon Kruger, entering his seventh season as UNLV’s head man, suspended Willis for the Rebels first three games, including the team’s two exhibition contests.
With the regular season opener now just couple of weeks away, and their off-season woes now seemingly behind them, the city’s most anticipated show of the Fall is finally set to return.
The backcourt
The leading man: Tre’Von Willis - A tremendously effective scorer from inside the 3-point line, Willis is at his best when he’s knocking down mid-range jumpers, and using his strength and savvy to get to the rim and to the free throw line. Willis led the Rebels in scoring a season ago at better than 17 points per contest, and connects on nearly 86% of his free throw tries. If he improves upon his sub-30% 3-point field goal percentage, Willis is a 20+ point per game scorer waiting to happen. An equally effective defensive player, Willis was a member of the Mountain West’s all-defensive team a season ago.
The scene stealer: Anthony Marshall - Probably the Rebels best pure athlete, Marshall is a consistent jump shot away from becoming a force in the Mountain West Conference. A superb defensive player who’s seemingly good for at least one spectacular blocked shot per game, Marshall, who started in 11 games following Derrick Jasper’s season ending knee injury, should be expected to make great strides in this, his sophomore season.
The supporting cast: Despite the loss of Wallace, the Rebels boast, arguably, the deepest collection of guards in the Mountain West Conference. Derrick Jasper could be the conference’s most versatile player, capable of playing four positions on the floor. Justin Hawkins, who showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman, like Marshall, is widely expected to elevate his level of play. Then there’s Oscar Bellfield, who has started in 55 games at the point guard spot during his UNLV career. One of the Mountain West’s most consistent and unheralded performers, Bellfield, now healthy after off-season arthroscopic knee surgery, should enjoy his best season yet as a Rebel.
The frontcourt
The leading man: Chace Stanback - A deadly medium range jump shooter who was second on the team in scoring at just under 11 points per game, Stanback also led the Rebels in rebounding a season ago as well as being a member of the conference’s all-defensive team. A full season clear of his 2008-09 redshirt season, Stanback should flourish as a junior.
The scene stealer: Quintrell Thomas - The 6’-8”, 245-pound Kansas transfer could well provide UNLV with the physical, inside presence that they’ve sorely lacked in recent years. If the Rebels, who were outrebounded by their opponents a season ago, expect to compete with the ultra athletic San Diego State for the league crown, Thomas must emerge as a force on the boards.
The supporting cast: Junior Brice Massamba, though an astounding 73% field goal shooter a season ago, was often missing in action when it came to rebounding. Massamba, as well as redshirt freshman Carlos Lopez, must provide UNLV with rebounding and toughness in the paint. In a league that features frontcourt studs like Kawhi Leonard and Malcolm Thomas of San Diego State, and Drew Gordon of New Mexico, a soft frontcourt is bound to get abused. In terms of rebounding and athleticism, the trio of Thomas, Massamba, and Lopez should be an significant upgrade over last season’s frontline of Massamba, Matt Shaw, and Darris Santee.
Season outlook
Ironically, the losses of Wallace and Shaw, two significant contributors a season ago, might actually prove to be a blessing in disguise for UNLV. Their departure, coupled with the additions of Thomas and Lopez, likely makes this the most athletic Rebel team in the Lon Kruger era. In terms of perimeter defense, there isn't a better team in the Mountain West Conference.
UNLV, a very effective offensive team inside the 3-point arc, would be best advised not to fall in love with the long ball, and to focus, rather, on their strengths. That said, they must make their open 3-point looks.
If Bellfield, Willis, Stanback, and the rest of the Rebels can make their outside shots, and if this season's frontcourt proves to be an upgrade over last year's, Lon Kruger's first Mountain West Conference regular season title will become a distinct possibility.
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Comments
I think you nail the two big keys. Shooters have to step up and make the 3 and the big men must rebound better. If we make 3s and rebound a lot better than last year, sweet 16 here we come.
I also feel strongly that this team doesn't HAVE to jack up 25 3-pointers per game. Willis, Stanback, and Bellfield...especially Tre & Chace...are all excellent mid-range jump shooters. Knock down the open ones, yes, but have the discipline to lay off the ill-advised ones.
Tre'von shot almost 60% from 2-point range last season. He shot about 30% from 3. Make 6 out of 10 tries from 2-point range and that's 12 points. Make 3 out of 10 from deep and that's only 9. Willis, obviously, is also far more likely to get to the charity stripe when he's inside the 3-point arc.
Playing to its strengths in a key for this team.
(I'm going to let my inner jammammy out):
Listen up here Boa. Your team is going to get their punk arses whipped by Wisconsin you can bet on that!
Hahaha. I'll give you Wisconsin and 3-1/2. Whattaya say, Badgers.....boa?
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