Coach Ben Howland’s latest strategy in reviving the team
in the last games of the season paid dividends Thursday night.
Senior guard Jon Crispin played a season-high 17 minutes and scored
six points on two three-pointers. More important for the departing
senior, Howland named Crispin to the starting lineup for his two
final home games of the season. “He earned that right with
his attitude,” Howland said. “I’m really proud of
Jon.” Crispin transferred to UCLA in 2001 from Penn State,
where he started 31 of 33 games as a sophomore. Playing his first
season as a Bruin last year, he started only once. This year,
Crispin is averaging six minutes a game. “When we’re
winning you can’t say anything,” Crispin said of his
time on the bench. “When we’re losing, that’s
when it got tough. Now I feel part of this success. …
That’s why you come here.”
PICK ME, COACH: With 1:29 left in UCLA’s
blowout of California, Howland gave bench players Ike Williams,
Gene Barnes and Quinn Hawking the nod they’ve been waiting
for all season. Their play marks Williams’ career debut and
season debuts for Barnes and Hawking. “It’s all we
could ask for,” Barnes said. “It was just great to see
the team give us the chance.” The trio, along with John
Hoffart and Trevor Ariza, did not sink a basket in their time on
court, but finished with wide grins. “My smile is from here
to here,” said Williams, pointing to the sides of his
face.
2004 BIG MACS: This year’s
McDonald’s All-American team was announced Thursday, and two
““ possibly three ““ UCLA recruits made the cut. Incoming
freshmen Jordan Farmar and Arron Afflalo were named to the West
Team as point guard and shooting guard, respectively. “I am
so excited,” Farmar said. “It’s a dream come
true.” The pair will also play with forward Malik Hairston,
who has not signed with a school but lists UCLA as a top choice
along with the University of Michigan and Ohio State, among others.
Farmar said he would definitely use the game, to be held March 31
in Oklahoma City, as an opportunity to lure Hairston to Westwood
next year. The pair were roommates during summer camps and speak
regularly. The game, which features 48 players from around the
country, will be broadcast on ESPN at 6 p.m.