Ben Howland’s affinity for physically imposing post
players thrust sophomore Michael Fey into the starting lineup two
months ago. An unproductive start to conference play, however, has
relegated the 7-foot center right back to the bench. Howland said
Tuesday that sophomore Ryan Hollins will start at center in
Fey’s place when UCLA (9-4, 5-1 Pac-10) travels to Palo Alto
to face No. 2 Stanford (14-0, 6-0) Thursday. The Bruin coach cited
Fey’s passive play as the main reason for the switch.
“The biggest thing Fey has to do is play more
aggressively,” Howland said. “Right now Ryan’s
doing a better job of playing hard and playing with passion.
He’s trying to get the most out of his 215-pound
frame.” Although Fey has started every game so far this
season, lately both his playing time and his production have
diminished. In six conference games, he’s averaged just 17.8
minutes per game, fouling out twice and only snaring eight total
rebounds. Fey went rebound-less for nearly four straight games
before finally pulling one down with less than five minutes
remaining in Saturday’s loss to Arizona. He’s scored in
double digits just once in his last five games. Hollins
hasn’t exactly dominated the glass either, but his defensive
intensity has been more consistent. Last week the springy 7-footer
registered four blocked shots, and demonstrated his defensive
prowess by holding Arizona State’s Ike Diogu eight points
below his season average. “Ryan is more athletic than
Michael,” junior Dijon Thompson said. “He’s
wanted to start all season. Defensively he could be a big presence
for us.” A two-month stint coming off the bench has humbled
Hollins, but lately he’s flourished in a reserve role.
“It’s tough knowing that you’ve got to share
minutes, but I wasn’t going to pout,” Hollins said.
“I knew I couldn’t worry about whether I was starting
or coming off the bench.” Both Hollins and Fey will have to
play well Thursday to contain a Stanford front line that is among
the nation’s best. Starters Justin Davis and Rob Little
average double digits in scoring and are a big reason why the
Cardinal leads the conference in rebound margin.
“They’re big, and they’re physical,”
Hollins said. “It’s not a coincidence they’re No.
2 in the nation.”
MORRISON STILL OUT: Brian Morrison is unlikely
to play in either game in the Bay Area, Howland said. The junior
guard, who has been out of action since suffering a hamstring
injury Dec. 20 against Michigan State, did participate in running
and shooting drills in practice Tuesday. But since he has not been
able to fully practice in over a month, Howland plans to hold him
out for another week. “I’m pretty certain he will not
play in either game,” Howland said.
AN EARLY START: Tip-off for UCLA’s tilt
with Stanford Thursday will be significantly earlier than most
weekday Pac-10 matchups. The game will begin at 5:30 p.m. to
accommodate Fox Sports Net, who will televise the game to a
national audience.