Wednesday, October 23, 1996
Bruins rebound from investigation
With the Baron Davis controversy settled, the UCLA men’s
basketball team can finally concentrate on playing some hoops.
For the last two weeks, a cloud in the shape of a Chevy Blazer
loomed over the program. The first day of practice proceeded
without a midnight madness, nor was there a slam dunk contest to
showcase this year’s talents.
Instead, the coaches and the players alike were busy dodging
questions regarding the investigation.
In the wake of Monday’s Pacific-10 conference announcement
clearing the program from any NCAA violations, Jim Harrick’s
greatest challenge henceforth is preparing his team for the start
of the regular season on Nov. 20.
"It’s time for me once again to put all my energies back into
coaching the UCLA basketball team," Harrick said.
UCLA’s quieter side shows this year
UCLA seems to have gone through its first week of practice today
with a new attitude. Gone from a year ago is the loud vocal
on-court demeanor that some might label as cocky.
"That was last year," head coach Jim Harrick said. "I haven’t
heard much about that kind of stuff this year."
Seven returners, and then what?
With only seven returning scholarship players from last season,
the lack of depth has been called UCLA’s biggest weakness by many
critics. Harrick believes that keeping everyone healthy will be
essential in determining the Bruins’ success this season.
"I would say that I’m moderately concerned about our depth,"
Harrick said. "I think we can get by if we don’t get anyone
injured."
One player who already has the injury bug is Kris Johnson. The
junior swingman is suffering from a sprain in his right ankle,
which is expected to sideline him for another few days.
UCLA adds a ninth scholarship player
Originally recruited as a walk-on, true freshman Sean Farnham
has earned a scholarship onto the team. Farnham is a 6-foot, 6-inch
forward who will play the three and four positions.
"I’m not a player who is really concerned about statistics,"
Farnham said. "I’m more of a player who concentrates on helping the
team in any way possible. If I need to get on the floor and get the
loose ball, I’ll sacrifice my body to get that ball. Hustle plays
are key to basketball games and I pride myself on the ability of
getting the hustle plays."
Another new edition to the team is Kevin Daley, who transferred
from Nevada during the off season. Though he will practice with the
squad, Daley cannot participate in any of the games this
season.
Charles O’Bannon sports a new look
If Charles O’Bannon is trying to help the Bruins win their 12th
national championship by any means necessary, it certainly shows in
his hairdo.
"I’ve been called Malcolm X because it’s kind of red," O’Bannon
said.
Compiled by Hye Kwon, Daily Bruin staff.