Dijon Thompson confirmed that he will remain at UCLA for his
senior season on June 16, withdrawing his name from consideration
for the NBA Draft. The 6-foot-7 swingman’s decision came as
no surprise. Even as he announced his intentions to evaluate his
draft status in April, Thompson, who attended the Chicago Pre-Draft
camp earlier this month, said that he expected to return to
Westwood and fulfill his collegiate eligibility. “By going to
Chicago I was able to get evaluated,” said Thompson,
UCLA’s leading scorer last year. “I was advised that
one year back in school, to develop my body and touch-up on some
skills, will put me in a better position next year to hopefully get
into the first round.” Thompson, a two-year starter for the
Bruins, returns to a logjam in the backcourt. UCLA coach Ben
Howland will have freshmen Arron Afflalo and Josh Shipp at the wing
position in addition to returning seniors Thompson, Brian Morrison
and Janou Rubin. Howland said the experience in Chicago benefited
Thompson. “He has made overall improvement since our season
ended,” Howland said. “He’s been lifting consistently
and has worked very hard at improving his game.” Had Thompson
decided to remain in the draft and hire an agent, he would have
been the second Bruin to depart this offseason. Freshman Trevor
Ariza entered the draft and was selected by the New York Knicks
with the 43rd pick.
SCHEDULE RELEASED: Eight 2003-04 NCAA
Tournament teams highlight this year’s UCLA men’s
basketball schedule that was released earlier this week. The Bruins
will leave California just twice in non-conference play, travelling
to Michigan State on Dec. 21 and Notre Dame on Feb. 26. Boston
College will be UCLA’s opponent in the Wooden Classic this
season, while Michigan will make its second appearance in the last
three years at Pauley Pavilion on Dec. 18. UCLA opens the season on
Nov. 20 when it hosts Chicago State.
RECRUITING ROUNDUP: Securing a commitment from
5-foot-11 point guard Darren Collison did little to ameliorate the
loss of former Kansas big man David Padgett for the talent-starved
UCLA basketball program. A starter for the Jayhawks this past
season as a freshman, Padgett, UCLA’s top recruiting target,
selected Louisville earlier this month after narrowing his choices
to the Cardinals and Bruins. Signing Padgett, a former
McDonald’s All-American, would have been a big boost to
UCLA’s front court in the future. Although the 6-foot-11
forward/center would have had to sit out next season, he likely
could have stepped right into the starting lineup in 2005-06.
Collison, the Etiwanda High School senior-to-be, will provide depth
at the point guard position, where UCLA will lose seniors Cedric
Bozeman and Ryan Walcott after next season.
DRIBBLERS: UCLA center Ryan Hollins is among a
pool of 24 players that will vie for a spot on the USA Basketball
World Championship Team, a squad that will consist of some of the
nation’s best collegians 20 years of age and under.