Bob Knight is many things to many people. To some, the Texas
Tech coach is a college basketball icon, whose resume commands
respect. To others, he’s a man with a tremendous temper that
he’s unable to control. To UCLA coach Ben Howland, Knight is
simply the face of Texas Tech basketball. “I have
unbelievable respect and admiration for him,” said Howland,
who will coach against Knight for the first time in his career
Thursday night in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.
“He’s one of the greatest coaches in the history of
college basketball. Just look at the family tree of coaches that
have come from him ““ (Duke’s Mike) Krzyzewski was a
Bobby Knight guy.” Though it is doubtful that anyone will
ever come close to the legacy of John Wooden at UCLA, Howland
aspires to have the same sort of impact in his tenure in Westwood
that Knight has had in his 38 years of coaching at Texas Tech,
Indiana and Army. Like Knight, whose teams are known for their
motion offense and disciplined play, Howland has brought a
mentality to UCLA predicated on solid defense and patience on
offense. Just as Knight has created a calling card with his style
of play, Howland wants to establish his own trademark. So while the
Red Raiders are a reflection of Bobby Knight, these Bruins are
appearing to become a reflection of Ben Howland. “Yes, I hope
so,” Howland said. The Bruins are aware of the mammoth
presence Knight has forged on the college basketball landscape. In
fact, the only thing most of the players knew about Texas Tech was
that Knight was the coach. But they affirm that nobody will get too
distracted by the near-mythical status of Knight.
“They’ve got a legend over there, in Bobby
Knight,” senior Dijon Thompson said. “But if we go out
there and play Bruin basketball, we should be all right.”
“I don’t really pay attention to who is coaching out
there,” freshman Jordan Farmar said. “I mean,
I’ve gone up against Lute Olson, Tom Izzo. Once I’m out
there on the floor all that stuff gets blocked out.”
MORRISON INJURED: Senior Brian Morrison sustained a right thigh
contusion in practice over the weekend and has been held out of
practice since. Though uncertain as to how Morrison incurred the
injury, Howland said he was doubtful to practice on Tuesday but
feels confident that the sharp-shooting guard will be ready to play
by Thursday’s game. “He’s a tough kid and I know
he’ll be ready to go if he’s called upon,” Farmar
said. During the regular season, Morrison was UCLA’s most
effective player off the bench. In 28 games this season, Morrison
averaged 22 minutes and 7.5 points off the bench, while shooting
34.4 percent from beyond the 3-point line.