Wolf Pack notebook: It’s the young and the restless for Oliver

LAS VEGAS — Nevada sophomore forward Cameron Oliver hasn’t been getting much sleep these days for two reasons.

The first is academically related, as he has been taking finals.

The second is he became a father to a baby boy last week (Dec. 15). The baby is named King.

Oliver admitted during Monday’s press conference the baby isn’t sleeping through the night. He also said Christmas will be extra special this year.

When coach Eric Musselman was asked if he had any advice for Oliver, he smiled wryly and said “No.”

Oliver dipped his toe into the NBA waters last season, eventually withdrawing his name before the deadline.

One would think with a newborn in the picture he may be NBA-bound come draft time.

TRIPS TO THE LINE

Nevada has made more free throws (200) than its opponents have attempted (139), but the Pack needs to do a better job at the line.

Marcus Marshall (81.8) and D.J. Fenner (77.8) are fine, but the rest of the starters are struggling. Oliver is shooting 66.7, Caroline 55.0 and Drew 56.3.

Caroline certainly needs to bring his percentage up. He makes nearly eight trips to the line per game because of his ability to get offensive rebounds. Caroline did go a season-best 7-for-8 against UC Irvine.

Musselman said he worked with Caroline, and had his sophomore forward widen his base (stance) at the line.

CARLSON ELIGIBLE

John Carlson, former Damonte Ranch star, becomes eligible on Thursday when Nevada plays Santa Barbara (1-7) in second-day action at the South Point Holiday Hoops Classic.

The 6-8 225-pound forward transferred at the semester break last year from San Diego Christian. He has been working out with the team since last January.

“He has done a good job and has worked hard in practice,” Musselman said. “He is physical. He has struggled finishing at the basket. He has to improve.”

Musselman said he isn’t going to change the rotation, meaning he’ll play if a starter gets in foul trouble or the Pack is comfortably ahead.

RAMSEY EXPECTED TO PLAY

Freshman point guard Devearl Ramsey, who has missed the last three games with a thigh bruise, is expected to play today, according to Musselman.

“We are sticking with the same rotation,” Musselman said. “It’s hard when you are playing well, and you have a guy that has been out for a while.”