Someone tell Captain Helmet to dust off his basketball
headgear.
The preseason No. 12 Bruins make their first public appearance
tonight in their exhibition opener against Branch West, a team of
former midlevel college players who have so far this season gotten
blown out by Miami (OH) (91-76), San Diego State (83-72), and
Mississippi State (80-56).
To Branch West’s credit, they did defeat Lamar by four
points.
But this game isn’t about Branch West. It is about UCLA
finally getting some game action and not having to scrimmage
against themselves.
“This game gives us a chance to not have to practice for
four hours anymore,” senior Jason Kapono said. “It also
gives us a chance to see where we’re at and where we need to
get better.”
Even though tonight’s game does not count in the
standings, it will help begin to piece together answers to some of
the most important questions facing the team this season.
Will the combination of T.J. Cummings, Michael Fey, Ryan
Hollins, and Dijon Thompson be able to negate the losses of Dan
Gadzuric and Matt Barnes in the low post?
“The front line has to collectivelly contribute at both
ends of the floor to neutralize the impact of losing Dan and
Matt,” Lavin said.
At point guard, will sophomore Cedric Bozeman and junior Ryan
Walcott be able to consistently show the leadership and flair that
they gave us glimpses of late last season?
“They both have to continue to develop and pick up where
they left off,” Lavin said.
Also, will Jason Kapono be able to increase his shot attempts
this year?
“In the past, I’ve been scoring 16 or 17 points per
game,” Kapono said. “But I’ve passed up shots
that I could have taken. I can’t turn down quality shots this
year.”
Other issues:
Will senior Ray Young and junior John Crispin be able to return
strong after sitting out last season?
Will Fey and Hollins have smooth transitions from high school to
college?
And will sophomore Dijon Thompson have a breakout season?
“It will take time for them to adjust, but I am pleased
with their development so far,” Lavin said.
Tonight’s starting five will be Cummings, Kapono,
Thompson, Bozeman and Young, but most of the players should see
some action tonight.
“We want everyone to get comfortable on the floor and we
want to get the freshmen some exposure,” Cummings said.
Ңbull;Ӣbull;Ӣbull;
Freshman forward Matt McKinney has decided to redshirt this
season because he would have likely seen only limited playing
time.
“With Kapono and Dijon ahead of me, I don’t want to
waste a year,” McKinney said. “With Ray and Kapono gone
next year, it will open up a lot for me.”