Marion trys to keep low profile

Shawn Marion's first official act as a UNLV basketball player came with little fanfare and lots of sweat.

Sure, the moves were there. Everything seemed to come so naturally. But before UNLV fans start comparing Marion with another famous JC transfer, Larry Johnson, a word of caution from coach Bill Bayno.

"I'm downplaying everything," Bayno said about his guarded comments regarding the 6-foot-7 junior forward from Vincennes (Ind.) University. "I'm not going to set up Shawn, or anyone else, to fail."

Bayno, who has spent a week working with Marion after months of waiting, said he liked Marion's attitude and his work ethic during the individual workouts at the North Gym.

"I like Shawn's willingness to learn," he said. "He wants to get better. He really took to the teaching.

"But like everyone, he's got a long way to go."

You'll be hearing that often from Bayno in the weeks ahead, and not just about Marion. That blanket statement will cover the entire team. And that's the way Bayno wants it.

"We don't need the added pressure," he said of the defending WAC tournament champions.

Marion? He didn't seem fazed by any of it.

"I think these workouts can help me a lot," he said. "Everyone needs to work on their game."

Marion displayed a natural feel for the game as well as an ability to execute the various drills he, freshman Chris Richardson and sophomore Donovan Stewart ran under Bayno and assistant Dave Rice's guidance during one of four individual workout sessions.

"I know I'm going to learn a lot," Marion said of the coming weeks, where he'll work with the coaches individually.

Marion's other concern is getting into shape. He had been playing with a Pro-Am team in Chicago after being the last player cut from the USA Basketball squad in mid-July. That team went on to win the gold medal at the Goodwill Games.

"I'm in fair shape right now," he said of his conditioning. "By October, I'll be in great shape."

Hoop du jour

* CO-CAPTAINS NAMED: Seniors Kevin Simmons and Brian Keefe have been named co-captains for the upcoming season. The duo had been teammates at UC Irvine before transferring to UNLV and are expected to start during their final season. "It's an honor that coach (Bill Bayno) trusts my capabilities of leading this team," Keefe said. "It's nice to be co-captain with Kevin because we've traveled a long road together. Kev's got a lot of leadership qualities and he'll do a great job leading the team."

* USC GAME MOVED: First it was a Saturday. Then it was a Friday. Then back to Saturday. Finally, UNLV and Southern Cal will indeed play Friday, Nov. 20 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The game was moved up a day so the Mack could play host to a boxing card featuring Oscar de la Hoya and Ike Quartey on the 21st. Top Rank Inc. head Bob Arum paid UNLV $50,000 to switch dates and USC agreed to the switch.

* SCRIMMAGE SET: The annual Scarlet and Gray scrimmage tentatively is set for Monday, Oct. 26 at the Thomas & Mack Center. The "Rebel Fan Jam," as it will be promoted, will give fans their first look at the team. The time hasn't been set, but admission will be free. UNLV has two exhibition games -- Nov. 5 vs. Global Spots and Nov. 10 vs. the California All-Stars -- before opening the season Nov. 14 against Sacred Heart.

* COACHES CLINIC: A coaches basketball clinic will be held at UNLV Oct. 9-10 that will feature head coach Bill Bayno, Utah coach Rick Majerus and recently appointed Milwaukee Bucks coach George Karl. The clinic, geared toward high school basketball coaches but open to coaches at all levels, costs $75 per person. For more information, call 895-3295.

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