New Season

     Since this is my first official blog post, I thought it fitting I talk about my favorite team in all of sports, the Runnin Rebels of UNLV. Last night the Rebels opened their short exhibition season against D2 Grand Canyon. Even though the level of competition was low, and the rebels cruised to a 90-66 final, there were many positives to take out of the game.
     Lets start with the return of 6'6" SR guard Derrick Jasper. Jasper is coming of off a knee injury suffered back in January. Jasper also had knee surgery while playing at Kentucky a few years ago. He looked to have the explosion back in his legs that he showed early last season. When healthy, Jasper is a match-up nightmare. He is long, athletic, and can get to the rim seemingly whenever he wants. 
     Also returning this season are a pair of SO guards; Anthony Marshall, and Justin Hawkins. Marshall was not much more than a guy who could jump out of the gym at the start of last season. His playing time increased with the loss of Jasper, and he took full advantage. Marshall never could shoot though. After an entire off season with former Rebel star, Robert Smith, Marshall has added both confidence and ability to his jump shot. Hawkins was a nice bench player, coming in to spell tired guards and get valuable minutes that were sure to help him in the future. The future is here. Hawkins was everywhere last night. Slashing to the rim, knocking down ling range jumpers, and being a disruptive force on defense. The basketball IQ for these two young guards has grown immensely since last season. They will be fun to watch.  
     The trio of big men thrown out there were 6'10" JR. F Brice Massamba, 6'8" SO. F/C, and Kansas transfer, Quintrell Thomas, and 6'11" redshirt freshman F/C Carlos Lopez. Massamba appeared to be in even better shape than last year and was a decent inside presence. He still needs to attack the rim with more energy. A quick drop step instead of a slow dribble and he will be a load to try and stop underneath. Thomas looked a bit shaky at the start. He hasn't played a game in a year and a half. The athletic ability is pretty clear though. Thomas can run the floor with anyone, and he looks to have great hands both as an offensive player getting the ball, and on defense skying for a rebound. Lopez was able to add some muscle to his very lanky frame in the off-season. I don't know if he will ever be an enforcer inside, but he does have a great shooting touch. He should also be able to disrupt a driving guard trying to get to the rim with that incredibly long reach.
     Chace Stanback, who sat the first half for academic reasons, and Tre'Von Willis, on a three game suspension, along with JR. PG Oscar Bellfield, are all starters who will give this Rebel team great depth as they make a run at the MTN West title.
     The Rebels are young, athletic, and VERY well coached. Lon Kruger should have one of his best seasons yet as the UNLV basketball coach. I for one am looking forward to a great year!!