Zimmerman, optimistic Rebels hold workout

Each fall, it's the same theme. A talented team comes together to prepare for the season while the players talk optimistically of improved chemistry and better results. But for Stephen Zimmerman, this is a new story.

The 7-foot freshman was not a part of the UNLV basketball teams that underachieved in recent seasons. He watched from across town at Bishop Gorman High School.

Now, in the middle of it, he likes what he sees. The team chemistry will be improved, he promises.

"Nobody has an ego and everyone is just trying to win, so we all clicked pretty much right away," Zimmerman said. "It seems great so far. I love it, and it's only going to get better, too."

The results will be better, vows sophomore guard Patrick McCaw, the top returning scorer from last season's 18-15 team.

"I really feel like something special is going to happen here this year," McCaw said.

The story will be different this time around, if only because of the Rebels' several new faces. Zimmerman is one of seven scholarship players who are eligible to see their first game action for UNLV in November.

Entering his fifth season, coach Dave Rice ran the Rebels through a one-hour workout Thursday at the Mendenhall Center. The first official day of practice is Oct. 5.

With a deep and talented 15-man roster, Rice is ready to deliver on his promise and make a transition in UNLV's style of play. A lot of time in September and October will be spent on implementing full-court pressure defensive schemes aimed at speeding up the tempo of games. He plans to use waves of players and force opponents to play faster.

"The players love it," Rice said. "We're not very good at it yet, but it's early."

Senior point guard Jerome Seagears, who sat out last season after transferring from Rutgers, said he "without a doubt" wants a leadership role.

"I just kind of fell into that place, being the oldest guy and guys looking up to me," Seagears said. "We've got a great group. Everybody has a good attitude and everybody comes to work. That's all you can ask on a team like this with a lot of talent."

McCaw, who started 16 of his 32 games and averaged 9.6 points as a freshman, has put about 15 pounds on his lanky 6-7 frame. He was the team's No. 3 scorer behind Rashad Vaughn and Chris Wood, who each left school early for the NBA.

"It's very exciting for me to have one year under my belt and a better feel for the game," said McCaw, who changed from jersey No. 2 to 22, the number his dad wore in college.

"It's going to be fun. On and off the court, guys are getting along, and I think that's a huge deal. When we come to play, we know each other so well. It's a very family-oriented team this year."

Team chemistry is tested when adversity hits, but Rice said his players have formed a stronger bond.

"I do see that," Rice said, "and I've felt that since spring and going into the summer."

There is some continuity on the roster. McCaw, guard Jordan Cornish, forward Dwayne Morgan and center Goodluck Okonoboh return as sophomores. Junior guard Daquan Cook comes back after missing last season with a knee injury. Seagears and 6-9 junior forward Ben Carter, an Oregon transfer and Bishop Gorman product, were on scholarship last season.

The freshman class includes Zimmerman, forward Derrick Jones and point guard Jalen Poyser. Senior guard Ike Nwamu, a transfer from Mercer, and junior forward Tyrell Green are other scholarship newcomers.

Chris Obekpa, a senior forward, will redshirt after transferring from St. John's. Alex Perez and Austin Starr, a freshman guard from Foothill High, were added as walk-ons.

"It's a lot of talent," McCaw said. "It's fun having everyone together competing. It makes guys play harder and work harder in practice."

* NOTES — The Rebels will play a closed scrimmage at Southern California on Oct. 31 before an exhibition against Whittier on Nov. 6. ... Christian Vital, a 6-2 combo guard from Oakdale, Conn., orally committed to UNLV as a 2016 recruit.

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