Monday, 8/4/97 Reed looks forward to challenges of playing at
UCLA BASKETBALL: Bruins’ championship hopes brighten with new
player, who adds strength, skill to team
By James Tamkin Daily Bruin Contributor Although it has been
said that you can’t go home again, Pauley Pavilion will feel a lot
like home for Travis Reed, the 6-foot-7 forward from Fontana who
will be joining the Bruins this fall. Reed grew up with many
players on the UCLA basketball team. He brings powerful shooting
and tough defensive skills to the court. In his senior year, Reed
averaged 28 points and 13 rebounds for Fontana A.B. Miller. Reed’s
versatility began at a young age. He played football, soccer, and
basketball in recreational leagues. His father coached many of the
teams, and helped him focus on his special talent in basketball.
After making the varsity team as a freshman at Crenshaw High
School, Reed experienced the excitement of playing on Crenshaw High
School’s State championship team. This team also included current
Bruin senior Kris Johnson. As a sophomore, Reed was an All-Los
Angeles City honoree at Manual Arts High School. Yet the true match
of skill, teamwork, and coaching occurred when Reed transferred to
Fontana A.B. Miller. Coach Gary West developed a deep respect for
Reed’s dedication and hard work. "Travis is a really personable
kid. We had a great relationship. He was like a son or brother to
me." Reed work ethic helped the Rebels to a second place CIF
finish. As a senior, Travis won the prestigious Los Angeles Times
Inland "Player of the Year" award. Coach West asserts that Reed
will bring "great physicality to the Bruins. Travis likes to get in
there and mix it up with the big guys." Reed looks forward to
coming to UCLA to join many childhood friends, including freshman
Baron Davis and senior Toby Bailey. He also wants to work hard for
Coach Steve Lavin. "Lavin rewards his players for hard work. Some
people just play a player because he has a name, but Lavin plays
him according to his abilities," Reed said. Coach Lavin anticipates
a great season with Reed. "Travis Reed probably is one of the most
underrated players in the nation. His size will give us depth
inside, which is something we didn’t have in the tournament last
year. He’ll give us rebounding ability, scoring inside, and
strength," Lavin said. Reed admits that playing at UCLA will
present different challenges. "Everyone at college is a superstar
in his own right. I plan to work hard and continue improving my
skills. UCLA is the top school on the West Coast and it has always
been my dream to play there," Reed said. It also means a great deal
to Reed to be a Bruin. This is because his father attended UCLA and
he can now continue on the family tradition. Reed can’t wait to
play in a big arena like Pauley Pavilion. "It fires me up when the
band plays loud and the crowd cheers or boos after each shot," Reed
said. Now that he has joined the Bruin family, Reed is thrilled to
say that there’s no place like home. Prevous Daily Bruin Story:
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