Lorenzo Mata’s early return from an injury at the end of
last season seemed almost miraculous, as he was not expected to
return to the floor until this season. But that miracle was
short-lived, as the junior center will spend at least three to six
weeks on the bench once again after he undergoes an arthroscopic
procedure on his right knee, scheduled for today. Mata first
injured himself in a freak collision with former teammate Jordan
Farmar against Washington State on Jan. 12. “Seemingly,
we’re starting off where we left off (last season), as we
have Lorenzo going in for an exploratory scope,” coach Ben
Howland said. Just a week ago, Mata appeared to be ready to begin
training with his teammates after undergoing a procedure at the
onset of summer to remove a tear in his right medial meniscus.
However, Mata noticed inflammation in his knee after a workout, and
an MRI taken the next day was ruled as inconclusive. “I think
it might be related to the first (injury), but I’m not
sure,” Mata said. “I’m not the doctor.”
After his first injury, the center began rehabilitation that had
him ready before anyone had anticipated. This time around, Howland
hopes Mata is able to do the same and get playing time as soon as
possible. “I was counting on him playing a major role this
year and still am,” Howland said. “I’ll have a
much better comment on the situation tomorrow.”
FILLING THE EMPTY SHOES: With former starting
center Ryan Hollins gone, the Bruins will need to fill what is
likely their biggest hole in the roster ““ the position of a
dominant post player. UCLA will now look to sophomores Alfred Aboya
and Ryan Wright to step up at the center position while Mata is
sidelined. The Bruins will also look to Wright and freshman James
Keefe from Santa Margarita High School to contribute as power
forwards. “All the remaining big guys are going to have to
get each other better in practice,” Wright said. “Every
time there’s an injury, everyone has to step up that much
more.” Though there are no seniors on this year’s
squad, the returning Bruins have been through some important
experiences that most of their opponents usually haven’t.
“We’re a young team, but we’re still very
experienced,” Wright said. “We have experience playing
on the road, playing in the tournament, and in the Final
Four.”
FRESH FOUR: Keefe, the Bruins’ only
incoming McDonald’s All-American this season, and the other
freshmen ““ Russell Westbrook, Mustafa Abdul-Hamid and Nikola
Dragovic ““ will be taking part in their first practice as
Bruins this Friday. “I can’t wait until
practice,” Keefe said. “It’s what I’ve been
looking forward to for two years now. I think I’m up for the
challenge.” Keefe is expected to come in and make an
immediate impact. He will be looked upon to provide an inside
presence and help fill a bit of the void left by the loss of former
center Hollins.
OPEN TRYOUTS: The UCLA men’s basketball
team will be holding open tryouts for all full-time students this
Saturday at 5:15 p.m. in Pauley Pavilion. It is unknown how many
spots are open on the roster, but members of the coaching staff
will be on hand to evaluate players. All interested students must
present an up-to-date physical and proof of medical insurance prior
to entering the tryouts.