Rebels getting hit with injuries to several stars

The injury bug has bitten earlier than usual at the North Gym. Given his druthers, UNLV coach Bill Bayno would just as soon it came now during preseason practice than during the regular season.

The Rebels went through drills over the weekend minus several starters -- Mark Dickel, Kevin Simmons and Shawn Marion. A fourth Rebel, freshman Myron Piggie, has not even been cleared for practice after surgery on his right knee.

Dickel has been nursing a sprained right ankle and will try to do some light work later this week.

Simmons sprained his right thumb Thursday and had it x-rayed Friday. The results were negative and he should return to the court today.

Marion sprained his right ankle Thursday, but returned for Sunday's practice.

"It could've been worse," Bayno said Sunday. "Kevin could've been out for two weeks.

"You try not to let it disrupt what you're trying to do. Last year, we went through this with some nagging things. You just pick and choose what you want to get done."

With Dickel out, sophomore Greedy Daniels has been getting most of the work at the point guard spot. Sophomore Donovan Stewart has been working in Marion's place at small forward and freshman Chris Richardson has filled in for Simmons at power forward.

Of all the injuries, trainer Dave Tomchek said Dickel's was the most serious.

"He had a second-degree sprain and he couldn't do anything for a few days," Tomchek said. "His rehab has been going good and we hope to get him back on the floor this week."

Recruit visits

While UNLV has yet to receive a verbal commitment for next year's recruiting class, prospective student-athletes continue to make official visits to Las Vegas.

Over the weekend, Oscar Garcia, a 6-8 forward from Spain, checked out UNLV. Garcia, who is attending Notre Dame Academy in Fitchburg, Mass., was expected to visit UNLV a month ago, but visa problems delayed his admission into the United States.

Garcia joins Dalron Johnson and Steve Hunter as recruits who have made official visits to UNLV. But the big visit is expected to take place this weekend as Jason Kapono plans to come to town.

Kapono, a 6-7 swingman from Artesia High in Lakewood, Calif., has narrowed his list to UNLV, Utah and Missouri. Bayno made a home visit last month with Kapono.

Meanwhile, Johnson, a 6-9 forward from Verbum Dei High in Los Angeles, supposedly took his official visit to California over the weekend. The Rebels are battling the Golden Bears for Johnson.

The early signing period begins Nov. 11.

Scrimmage Tuesday

A reminder the annual Scarlet and Gray scrimmage will be held at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center. Admission to the "Rebel Fan Jam" is free. In addition to the scrimmage, there will be a slam dunk and 3-point shooting contest as well as an autograph session with the players.

Fans of the Lady Rebels also will be able to get a sneak preview as Regina Miller's team will participate in the festivities.

UNLV on Telemundo

Look for an announcement in the next couple of days about a deal to have five UNLV games televised locally in Spanish this season.

The school has a verbal agreement with KBLR Channel 39 (Cox Communications Channel 9), the Las Vegas affiliate for the the Hispanic television network Telemundo.

The five games will be aired in conjunction with the games to be televised on KFBT Channel 33. They are Jan. 2 at Cal Poly, Jan. 23 at TCU, Feb. 6 at Air Force, Feb. 13 at Rice and Feb. 27 at Wyoming.

The on-air talent has yet to be determined. But look for Carlos Veliz, who has NBA broadcast experience with the Los Angeles Lakers, to got the nod.

For fans who can't watch the games live on KFBT or KBLR, the eight-game KFBT package will be re-broadcast at 1 a.m. following each of the games.

The half-hour UNLV basketball preview show will air Saturday, Nov. 14 at 11 a.m. on KFBT.

Rebels recognized

The preseason basketball publications are out and UNLV is not being overlooked.

Lindy's has the Rebels ranked No. 17 in the nation while Dick Vitale's College Basketball has the Rebels in his top-40 at No. 37.

The UNLV frontcourt made Vitale's list of Dandy Dozen at No. 11, and Shawn Marion tops Vitale's Top Juco transfer team. Myron Piggie made Vitale's All-Name team.

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