Carlos Lopez News

Former UNLV center Louis Amundson , a fan favorite in Phoenix, looking on in a Suns' huddle during a Sunday timeout of an eventual victory over Toronto.

GAME DAY UNR VS.UNLV WHEN: 7:30 p.m. today WHERE: Thomas & Mack Center TV/RADIO: The Mtn ; KWWN-AM LINE: UNLV -5½ David Carter, left, spent 10 seasons as a UNR assistant to Trent Johnson and Mark Fox before being named head coach in April.

An idea weighed heavily on his mind for weeks, so UNLV freshman Carlos Lopez set out recently to survey some of those closest to him.

Carlos Lopez, who helped Findlay College Prep win a national championship last season, gathers a ball at a recent UNLV practice.

NEXT: Pittsburg State at UNLV, 7 p.m. Saturday, KWWN-AM UNLV guard Derrick Jasper soars to attempt a shot over De'Andre Washington of Washburn during the first half of the teams' exhibition game Tuesday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

After many long and grueling months, the UNLV Running Rebels finally take the court this week.

It was a tough day for some Rebels , two rookies proved they are not shy, walk-ons rose against the scholarship machine and Kendall Wallace stayed as hot as a branding iron.

JUSTIN HAWKINS CLASS: Freshman POSITION: Guard HOMETOWN: Los Angeles HEIGHT: 6 feet 3 inches WEIGHT: 190 BIRTHDATE: Oct.

Chace Stanback looks to pass during UNLV basketball practice at the Cox Pavilion on Monday, Nov.

UNLV senior forward Darris Santee, center, attempts a shot between Kendall Wallace, left, and Chace Stanback during preseason practice Saturday at Cox Pavilion.

Findlay College Prep sophomore forward Dakeeba "Keeba" Battee-Aston, a 6-foot-8 Aussie who played prep ball last season in Texas, relaxes after a recent Pilots practice.

UNLV head coach Lon Kruger talks to his players after the Rebels FirstLook scrimmage Oct.

Brice Massamba, UNLV's sophomore center, shows off his freshly cut Mohawk after Monday's practice.

UNLV forward Carlos Lopez drops in two points from under the basket during the Rebels FirstLook scrimmage Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

UNLV's Mychal Martinez, center, gets ready to meet fans after the Rebels FirstLook scrimmage Friday, Oct.

UNLV forward Darris Santee pulls a rebound away from forward Carlos Lopez during the Rebels FirstLook scrimmage Friday at the Thomas & Mack Center.

Derrick Jasper, a new transfer player for the rebels this year, takes part in the team's first practice at Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas on Oct.

After four practices and a public scrimmage, ita s a day of rest for the UNLV basketball team.

Derrick Jasper, Anthony Marshall and an impressive group of newcomers debuted Friday as UNLV opened the basketball season with a late-night practice at the Thomas & Mack Center.

His outside shooting is average at best. Sophomore forward Chace Stanback played sparingly for UCLA 's Final Four squad in 2007-08 but will be counted on heavily with the Rebels.