THE SIDELINES : NCAA Begins UNLV Prep Star Probe

The NCAA has begun its investigation into the University of Nevada-Las Vegas’ recruitment of former prep star Lloyd Daniels, university officials confirmed.

Two NCAA officials spent this week in Las Vegas for a series of face-to-face interviews with members of the UNLV athletic department, said Athletic Director Brad Rothermel.

Coach Jerry Tarkanian and Rothermel were interviewed, as was Mark Warkentien, the Rebels’ basketball recruiting coordinator when Daniels was actively recruited in 1985 and 1986.

Several members of last season’s UNLV basketball team were also to be interviewed during the visit, Rothermel said.

Rothermel said he knew the NCAA’s interest in the recruitment of Daniels, who came under the legal guardianship of Warkentien while UNLV was recruiting him, would eventually lead to the probe.

Daniels, who some said was the best New York City prep player in a decade, was arrested while allegedly trying to buy rock cocaine while waiting to play for UNLV and never played a game for the university. He was shot in late May in New York City and is recovering from his wounds while trying to play semi-pro basketball.