Rebels expect return of Daquan Cook, Stephen Zimmerman

Wearing a blue jersey, Daquan Cook ran the offense for the scout team in Monday's practice. When it's game time, the junior point guard finally will be back in a UNLV uniform.

Cook, suspended from the basketball team Nov. 3 after being arrested in a DUI case, is expected to be reinstated after missing 13 games.

"He had a pretty significant suspension," coach Dave Rice said. "Daquan made great progress academically, and he's on schedule to graduate at the end of the year."

If all goes according to plan, two players will be returning in time for the Mountain West opener on Wednesday, when the Rebels (9-4) host Fresno State (9-4) at the Thomas & Mack Center. Stephen Zimmerman Jr. should make a much bigger impact than Cook.

Zimmerman, who has been sidelined with a left thigh contusion, practiced on a limited basis Monday. He ran the floor and rode an exercise bike but did not participate in full-contact drills. The 7-foot freshman had not played or practiced since the first half of a loss at Arizona on Dec. 19.

"He looks pretty good," senior point guard Jerome Seagears said. "We're ready for him to get back and have our big guy out there."

Zimmerman, averaging 9.5 points and 7.5 rebounds in 11 games, was slowed by an illness in November and hindered by ankle, hip and thigh injuries in December. After a break for Christmas, the swelling in Zimmerman's thigh was noticeably reduced.

"It's a day-to-day situation," Rice said. "Stephen is obviously very important to our team, and we need to have him on the floor."

Cook's status will be decided by athletic director Tina Kunzer-Murphy, who will address his reinstatement Tuesday.

"I anticipate Daquan will be available to play in the Fresno game," Rice said.

Two days after his arrest in Las Vegas, Cook was suspended for the nonconference season. At the time, Rice said the length of the suspension sent a "strong message" and Cook's status would be re-evaluated before Mountain West play.

Significant minutes might not be available to Cook, who steps back in behind Seagears and freshman backup Jalen Poyser on the depth chart. Patrick McCaw, the team's leading scorer, also has handled some duties at point guard.

In August 2014, Cook suffered a torn right anterior cruciate ligament and redshirted last season. He started two of the 28 games he played in as a sophomore, when he averaged 1.8 points and 8.5 minutes per game.

Cook, who did not speak with the media Monday, was welcomed back by teammates.

"I'm glad he's back," said Seagears, adding that Cook displayed a "great attitude" during his suspension. "I think he's going to be a big help to our team."

Contact reporter Matt Youmans at myoumans@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2907. Follow him on Twitter: @mattyoumans247