For the first time in four years, the UCLA men’s basketball team is not expected to win the Pac-10 conference title.
According to a poll of media members who cover the conference, the Bruins aren’t even expected to place second.
“You’re correct based on the teams that return the most,” coach Ben Howland said to reporters at the annual Pac-10 men’s basketball media day today.
UCLA was selected to finish in third place behind California and Washington in the upcoming season. The Golden Bears received 25 first-place votes while the Huskies got seven. The Bruins received five first-place votes.
Coming off a disappointing 26-9 season and second-round exit in the NCAA Tournament, the Bruins return only one starter, senior forward Nikola Dragovic, from a year ago.
Dragovic was fourth on the team last year with an average of 9.4 points per game. Gone are Josh Shipp (14.5), Darren Collison (14.4) and Alfred Aboya (9.9), who led the Bruins in scoring.
“I’m looking forward to coaching this young team,” Howland said.
Because of a slew of player injuries, Howland has not had a complete roster in practices, but hopes the team will be at full strength on Monday.
The Bruins host Concordia on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. “There will be a lot of competition for the playing time,” Howland said.