Ex-Rebels star Adams takes shots at UNLV coaches
Former UNLV basketball star Jovan "Wink" Adams isn't hiding his disappointment in the Rebels' inability to close out games.
He's become one of the strongest critics among former players.
"The UNLV coaching staff is a joke," Adams tweeted Nov. 24, after UNLV lost to UCLA 77-75 in the Maui Invitational.
He doubled down last week in a radio interview, days before UNLV's devastating 66-56 home loss Thursday to Arizona State after blowing a 14-point second-half lead.
Prefacing his comments with "Nobody wants them to succeed and win more than me," Adams, a four-year starter from 2005 to 2009, told Yahoo Sports Radio host Brian Shapiro, "They need better guidance on how to attack a zone."
He added, "They have a Sweet 16 team ... top 10 talent in the country."
Adams made the comments on Monday on Shapiro's "The Vegas Take" on 670 AM.
Late in the Arizona State game, the wife of coach Dave Rice lost her temper when a disgruntled UNLV fan twice yelled, "He's no coach," after point guard Jerome Seagears missed a quick long-range shot in the final minute with UNLV trailing by four.
A fuming Mindy Rice turned to the critic, who was a few rows behind her, and shouted, "Do you really think he called that play?"
Lou's Diner continues
Lou's Diner, a popular mom-and-pop eatery, has been sold after 18 years under the management of Louise and Jim Lauber.
Louise has worked at the location, 431 S. Decatur Blvd., since 1972 when she was a waitress at Jo-Ells, named after Joe and Ellen Fallon. They opened it in 1969.
Louise, known as Lou, stayed on through two ownership changes in the 1980s and '90s. She and her husband named it Lou's on Nov. 19, 1997, specializing in comfort food ranging from chicken-fried steak to cinnamon rolls.
She'll be staying on for a while to help Brian and Julie Genco through the transition.
The scene and heard
Look for an announcement soon that U2 will be returning to the MGM Grand Garden in September. ...
Mr. Chow restaurant has opened at Caesars Palace in the former Empress Court space. It is the seventh Mr. Chow, a high-end Chinese concept, opened by restaurateur Michael Chow.
On this day
Dec. 20, 1948: Alamo Airport, which had been bought by Clark County to become Las Vegas' main air hub, is renamed McCarran Field after Nevada Sen. Pat McCarran. Why Alamo? It was founded by aviator George Crockett, a descendant of Davy Crockett, who died in the famed Texas battle.
Sightings
Boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr., hosting a party at N9ne Steakhouse (Palms) on Friday. Mayweather earlier hosted a boxing card at the Palms. ... Comedian and actor Ray Romano, at Faith Lutheran's volleyball game on Friday. He has a 17-year-old son. ... The "Pawn Stars," holding their Christmas party in a ballroom at D Las Vegas on Thursday. ... Australia's Avril Mathie, dining at Andiamo Italian Steakhouse (D Las Vegas) with girlfriends on Thursday. ... New York Gov. George Pataki, presenting Rick Harrison of "Pawn Stars" with a flag that flew over Ground Zero. He was in town for the Republican presidential debate. ... Dan Bilzerian, the pro poker playboy known as "The King of Instagram" for his 14 million followers, posted an Instagram photo of his meeting with Donald Trump last week.
The punch line
"Last night, the GOP debate took place in Las Vegas. CNN said the Republicans chose that location because "nothing says fiscal responsibility and wise choices like Las Vegas." — Conan O'Brien
Norm Clarke's column appears Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. He can be reached at 702-383-0244 or norm@reviewjournal.com. Find more online at www.normclarke.com. On Twitter: @Norm_Clarke.
