Much of his playing time has evaporated this season, but
UCLA’s Ryan Hollins is determined not to let his confidence
dry up with it. A starter at power forward for the first six games
of the season, Hollins has seen his role diminish recently as the
Bruins have evolved into a more guard-oriented team. Though UCLA
returns all of its big men except little-used senior Josiah Johnson
and adds another heralded recruiting class, Hollins insists that he
will contribute more next season. “I’ve pretty much
been counted out, but I’m not letting that get to me,”
Hollins said. “I know my potential. Coming back next year
with a full spring and summer of playing basketball under my belt
and with my knee healthy, I can definitely get those minutes
back.” In many ways this has been a lost season for Hollins,
who underwent knee injury in July, preventing him from adding any
much-needed bulk to his wiry 7-foot, 225-pound frame. Having to
adapt to the center position has also been difficult for the
junior, especially on offense. Instead of being able to face the
basket as a power forward in UCLA’s offense, Hollins now
receives passes more often with his back to the hoop on the low
block, an area of his game that is not his strength. Yet, while
Hollins is only averaging 13 minutes per game in conference play
this season, he says he has not considered a transfer at the end of
the season. “I plan on finishing up here,” Hollins
said. Nothing figures to change this week for Hollins, even though
he had his best performance of the season Thursday night at
Washington State. Hollins, who scored eight points, snared eight
rebounds and played the entire second half and overtime in that
game, was inserted into the game because he was better equipped
than junior Michael Fey to guard Washington State’s quick
front line. But this week against Arizona State’s Ike Diogu
and Arizona’s Channing Frye, UCLA coach Ben Howland said Fey
is likely his best option. “Washington and Washington State
didn’t have any true post players,” Fey said.
“This week should be more suited to my game.” Hollins,
meanwhile, will focus on helping the team as a reserve, and then
earning his starting role back over the offseason.
“It’s not going to be given to me,” he said.
“It’s been taken away from me, and I’m going to
have to take it back.”
OUT FOR REVENGE: Though it has been three weeks since
Arizona’s Salim Stoudamire drained a game-winning 3-pointer
at the buzzer over Arron Afflalo, the shot is still fresh on the
UCLA freshman’s mind. After that game, Afflalo said that he
would have his revenge when the Wildcats come to Pauley Pavilion on
Saturday. He reaffirmed that pledge Tuesday afternoon.
“It’s no mystery,” he said. “He hit the
shot in my face. I need to do something this time.”
FREE THROW WOES: After missing four of seven free throws this
past weekend in Washington, freshman Jordan Farmar is making it a
point of emphasis to improve from the line. Farmar, whose shooting
percentage from the foul line has dipped from 90 to 78 percent the
past few weeks, will shoot 100 free throws per day each day this
week. “I’ve been thinking too much. That’s all it
is,” he said. “That should be enough reps to where it
shouldn’t be a problem anymore.”
NOSTRADAMUS: Two hours before then-unbeaten Boston College
dropped its first game of the season at Notre Dame Tuesday night,
UCLA coach Ben Howland had a premonition. “I would not be
surprised if Notre Dame beats them tonight,” Howland said.
“They’re playing well right now.” UCLA, which
lost to Boston College 74-64 earlier this season, will play Notre
Dame in South Bend, Ind., later this month.