I finally got the time to visit a practice this morning, and boy did it stink. Fortunatley, the stench was from the Professional Bull Riders event and not from the Rebels. I really enjoy the practices and marvel at how hard they go each time out.
A few observations... Chace Stanback was practicing, which is great news, however, he did look rusty and his conditioning isn't where it needs to be. I'm sure he'll improve quickly now that he can go on the ankle again.
Anthony Marshall was going at what appeared to be full speed. This guy wiill definitley contribute, beginning this year.
Brice Massamba is playing on a swollen knee and is not going at full speed. Hopefully that won't cause him to fall to far behind.
Darris Santee is playing the way the coaches expected him too when they recruited him out of junior college in Texas. I think he will be the starter at the five spot, at least at the first of the year.
Derrick Jasper has the chance to be one of the best point guard UNLV has ever had. The guy is really smooth and sees the court very well. Oscar also looks very good at the point and I think he will also play along side Derrick very often.
I've not been a huge fan of Tre'von in the past as I thought he forced way to much, and made bad decisons at the point. I'm changing my opinion pretty quickly because he really looks comfortable on the wing, and will definitely be a scorer.
Kendall Wallace will get minutes and is going to the rim a lot more then in the past. Steve Jones will get some solid minutes, and Justin Hawkins is a player as well. I really think the team is going to be solid this year, and I think both a MWC Championship and a MWC tournament championship are realistic goals.
It was also nice to Shabazz Mahummad at the practice with his father and brother. Nigel Williams-Goss, a freshmen at Findlay Prep was also there along with Shabazz. It would be nice to see those guys in Rebel red in a few years.
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