Ben Howland has repeatedly said he will allow Ryan Hollins to
decide on his own whether or not to rejoin the track and field team
this spring.
The UCLA coach is certainly not above trying to sway him,
however.
After a late-February loss to Notre Dame, Howland reiterated in
his postgame press conference that Hollins needs to spend the
offseason adding muscle after being pushed around by the physical
Fighting Irish frontline. He was well aware, of course, that
Hollins was seated directly behind him, listening to every
word.
“He has to get bigger,” Howland said. “I would
hope that he’d be dedicated to the weight room. (Track and
field) is not in his best interest as a basketball
player.”
The decision may not be an easy one for Hollins, who has said he
won’t make a decision until after basketball season is
over.
Many experts have said the 7-footer has some NBA potential if he
were to add at least 20 pounds to his wiry frame. On the other
hand, Hollins cleared the bar at over seven feet in the high jump
last season, and could develop into a national-caliber jumper if he
were to focus on it.
Former UCLA coach Steve Lavin promised Hollins that he could
compete in track and field if he wanted, and Howland has pledged to
stand by that.
Men’s track and field coach Art Venegas said he would
certainly welcome Hollins back for outdoor season, but that right
now he is preparing to compete without him.
“It would be a big bonus for us to have him here,”
Venegas said, “but we’re not expecting
anything.”
Both Howland and Venegas do agree that it would be difficult for
Hollins to reach his full potential in either sport if he continues
to participate in both.
“It’s up to him,” Howland said.