COLLEGE BASKETBALL: AVC'S WHITE MAKES HIS MARK AT UNLV.Byline: Kevin Connelly Kevin Connelly was born in Middlesbrough, England. He is an impressionist comedian, and after dinner speaker and is probably most famous for his role on the popular BBC television programme 'Dead Ringers'. Special to the Daily News More than 15 years have passed since Jerry Tarkanian Jerry Tarkanian (born August 8 1930), also known as "Tark the Shark", is a former college basketball coach known for colorful behavior, including habitually chewing on a towel during games, and for his public criticisms of and clashes with the NCAA. , Larry Johnson, Stacey Augmon Stacey Orlando Augmon (born August 1 1968 in Pasadena, California) is an American professional basketball player who plays in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets. He gained the nickname "Plastic Man" early in his career for his long arms, defensive play and offensive fluidity. and the UNLV UNLV University of Nevada, Las Vegas men's basketball team were household names among college basketball fans. The Runnin' Rebels won a national championship in 1990 under Tarkanian, but the popular coach was pressured to leave not long after, his legacy tarnished by NCAA NCAA abbr. National Collegiate Athletic Association rules violations. So why would Wendell White, a standout at Lancaster's Antelope Valley College Antelope Valley College is a comprehensive community college located in Lancaster, California, USA. It is operated by the Antelope Valley Community College District, with a primary service area of 1,945 square miles covering portions of Los Angeles and Kern counties. last year, commit to UNLV with such prominent programs as Kansas, USC An abbreviation for U.S. Code. and Utah State knocking on his door? ``I felt like we had a good team here with a real chance to make the (NCAA) tournament,'' said White, who averaged 21 points, eight rebounds and five assists per game last season for the Mauraders before he was sidelined with a broken foot. ``I liked (second-year coach Lon Kruger), and I liked the atmosphere.'' And what about that infamous Las Vegas heat? ``I haven't felt that yet,'' White said with a laugh. ``But I came from Lancaster, so I don't think that will be a problem.'' The 6-foot-6, 215-pound wing said the only problem at UNLV has been the lingering effects of his broken foot, which kept him out of the first seven games this season. White, who came in 20 pounds overweight because of the injury, has been playing catch up throughout Mountain West Conference play. ``I'm finally 100 percent physically now, which is great,'' said White, who averages six points and five rebounds in a reserve role for the Rebels. ``Division I basketball is a big transition from junior college, and it took some time to get adjusted to the pace. I'm just trying to work as hard as I can to produce when my team needs me.'' Kruger said White's role likely will increase as he becomes more accustomed to the higher level of competition. ``Wendell is just now able to play up to his full potential,'' Kruger said. ``He's a versatile player who can play anywhere from shooting guard to power forward, and he's popular with everyone on the team. ``He is a very key player for us, and he figures to be a huge part of our plans in our conference tournament (which begins Tuesday) and well into next season.'' UNLV (15-12 overall, 9-6 Mountain West), fourth place in the Mountain West Conference, finishes the regular season today against TCU (Transmission Control Unit) A communications control unit controlled by the computer that does not execute internally stored programs. Contrast with front end processor, which executes its own instructions. (6-23, 2-13). The Rebels do not expect to receive an at-large NCAA Tournament bid, but a conference tournament title would guarantee their first March Madness appearance in six seasons. ``Making it there has been our goal all season,'' said White, who played at Redondo Union High of Redondo Beach. ``That's what college basketball is all about.'' March Madness or not, one thing White says he will not be doing is partying on the famous Las Vegas strip The Las Vegas Strip (also known as The Strip) is a 4 mi (6.7 km) section of Las Vegas Boulevard South, most of which has been designated an All-American Road. . ``People from L.A. always ask me about partying here,'' White said. ``I came here to play basketball, not party. Other than the strip, Las Vegas is just like any other place. I'll be here in my dorm room.'' Kevin Connelly, (818) 713-3607 kevin.connelly(at)dailynews.com |
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