Ben Howland is never serene ““ it’s not in his
nature. But the UCLA men’s basketball coach rarely raised his
voice during Friday’s practice, the first that the public has
been allowed to attend since the 2001 season. Instead, Howland
relied on more subtle methods of instruction to get his point
across. “He pretty much gives you that eye,” senior
T.J. Cummings said. “You take a few bad shots ““ a
couple shots he doesn’t like ““ and he’s going to
let you know.” In front of an audience of fans, beat
reporters and television camera crews, Howland ran the team through
a series of drills in the first hour before beginning scrimmage
instruction in the second. As the first unit faced off against a
rotation of reserves, Howland shouted instructions, often stopping
practice to shift personnel or install a set play. One of
Howland’s focuses during practice so far has been the
development of sophomore centers Ryan Hollins and Mike Fey. The
first-year coach worked with Fey in particular on Friday to teach
him to use his 7-foot, 257-pound body as an asset.
“That’s the biggest thing that he stresses ““
staying low and making contact,” Fey said. “He likes
big physical players, and I can benefit from that. He’s
helped me out a lot.” Cummings says Fey’s improvement
has been apparent, even in just three weeks of practice.
“Mike’s really come a long way,” Cummings said.
“Every day in practice, (Howland) makes sure he instills
certain things in Mike. He’s done a lot of hard work to get
the starting job. He’s making a big transition.”
HARD AT WORK: With the quarter already half
over, Cummings says he is on track to regain his eligibility. He
goes to all his classes, regularly attends review sessions, and is
asleep by 11:00 p.m on weeknights. “I’m a full-time
student right now,” he said. “I’m working as hard
for my teachers as I am for my coaches.” Cummings will miss
the Bruins’ exhibition opener Wednesday and at least the
first three games of the season before he finds out if he has done
enough to rejoin the team.
RUBIN ON SCHOLARSHIP: Howland said junior guard
Janou Rubin has earned a scholarship for the remainder of the
school year. However, they have agreed that Rubin will have to give
up the scholarship once again as a senior.