Mired on the bench for much of last season, Michael Fey is
suddenly the center of attention.
Fey, who played just eight minutes per game as a freshman last
season, will start at center when UCLA opens the exhibition season
Nov. 12 against EA Sports. Fellow-sophomore Ryan Hollins ““
Fey’s main competition at the position ““ will also
contribute in a reserve role.
“Right now, Fey’s the starter,” UCLA coach Ben
Howland said Thursday at Pac-10 Media Day. “He’s been
the more dominant of the two centers, but it’s the closest
race on the team by far.”
There were no surprises in the remainder of Howland’s
projected lineup, which included juniors Cedric Bozeman, Brian
Morrison and Dijon Thompson as well as freshman Trevor Ariza. But
the announcement that Fey will start is sure to raise some
eyebrows.
Hollins started the Bruins’ final 14 games last season,
averaging just over four points per game and finishing among the
conference leaders in shots blocked. Fey, on the other hand, played
sparingly throughout the season, and was a non-factor in conference
play.
But at 7 feet 257 pounds, Fey seems to fit Howland’s
bruising style of basketball more than the slender 215-pound
Hollins. Howland said Fey has worked hard on the court and in the
weight room during the offseason, and has earned the starting
role.
“He’s been playing really well,” Fey said.
“He’s more physical in the paint and more productive in
terms of scoring. I’m excited about his
development.”
Regardless of who the starter is, both Fey and Hollins are
likely to see significant playing time all season. The Bruins have
just nine healthy scholarship players until T.J. Cummings returns
in December, and both Fey and Hollins have been foul-prone in the
past.
Howland said since he told Hollins that Fey had moved ahead of
him in the rotation, his play has improved significantly.
“It’s lit a fire under him,” Howland said.
“I’m not going to say he won’t (start) at some
point this season. They both have the potential to be a
force.”