Kruger’s decision to dismiss Adeife about program, not player

Emmanuel Adeife is off the UNLV basketball team today for no reason other than his own peculiar issues regarding authority and structure. He apparently doesn’t respect either very much.

This is entirely on him.

In the immediate moment, Adeife’s removal from the program over the weekend for insubordination makes the Rebels even more tested than originally thought by a lack of size. Brigham Young now has mascots bigger than anyone UNLV might try at center. Joe Darger is a wonderful kid who can shoot the heck out of it most nights. Joe Darger defending Trent Plaisted is close-your-eyes frightening.

But in the weeks and months and seasons ahead, the impact of Adeife’s dismissal could produce a larger and more positive effect than any future post presence.

Winning programs are built on more than quickness and strength. There is more to them than skill and apparel contracts. There is organization. Purpose. Standards.

Those who don’t buy in need to be shipped out to seek guidance (and playing time) elsewhere.

“It was a very difficult decision because it changes the path of a young guy’s life and career,” UNLV coach Lon Kruger said. “So it’s an unfortunate part of what we do. Fortunately, it hasn’t happened very often in our programs.

“You always take into account each individual, but in the end, it has to be a decision that is best for the program. You have to make sure whatever you decide, it does not ultimately damage your program.”

There is more to the story than Adeife simply acting like some knucklehead during and after the team’s victory against Montana State on Friday, more than one instance of voicing displeasure about his self-perceived importance of being on the court.

There has to be more, and yet it’s not essential anyone outside UNLV’s locker room knows the catalog of facts. Kruger might outwardly portray an easygoing sort with Midwestern ideals who has even reached the point of poking fun at his own insipid postgame comments, but know this:

He has coached at the college and pro levels since 1976 and was a good enough athlete to be selected in both the NBA and major league baseball drafts while also being invited to an NFL camp. His competitive fire to win burns stronger than your average wildfire.

He gave Adeife every chance to change his act and conform because that’s what coaches do. That the young man remained so inflexible speaks to problems that surely reach far beyond mere stubbornness.

Talk about a dramatic change to one’s roster. The Rebels in July envisioned a center rotation of Adeife, freshman Beas Hamga and sophomore Matt Shaw.

Maybe they could have investigated Hamga’s transcripts more intensely before the NCAA Clearinghouse waved its red flag. Maybe they could have examined more intimately any similar troubles Adeife had when transferring from Houston to a junior college. Maybe they could have sent a mind reader to study Ryan Amoroso’s intentions before the former Marquette player reneged on an oral commitment to UNLV to sign with San Diego State.

Hindsight. It comes up at times like this but doesn’t always fit.

“Our numbers were fine,” Kruger said. “We were set to have more bigs than we have had in the program since we got here. We wouldn’t have changed anything in our (recruiting approach). We had it all laid out.”

His challenge becomes tricky now for more reasons than wondering if it’s possible to play more zone than Syracuse or double the post more than San Diego State.

He needs to make sure those in the program and any who support it don’t begin thinking too much about 2008-09 before 2007-08 plays out, that all those visions about how good UNLV could ultimately be when players such as Hamga and Memphis transfer Tre’Von Willis become eligible remain tucked away for now.

UNLV played its second game of the season Tuesday night in beating Dixie State, 97-66. The race has just begun. It would be unfair to those competing to decide already what this week’s news will mean for their eventual finish.

“We’ll have to change some things, change how we play at times, just as if it were an injury or academic issue,” Kruger said. “No one is going to feel sorry for us. A lot of programs go through it. You just have to line up and play.”

It might sting today but could prove valuable tomorrow.

It’s about the program and never one knucklehead.

Ed Graney’s column is published Sunday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday. He can be reached at 383-4618 or egraney@reviewjournal.com.