A UCLA men’s basketball team manager squared off against video coordinator Kory Alford in a one-on-one matchup before Tuesday’s practice at Pauley Pavilion. Doing his best impression of his younger brother’s clutch shooting, Alford backed the team manager down before creating space and elevating for a jump shot. The net swished and Alford made a celebratory gesture. Game.
The manager shook his head as he followed Alford back toward the locker room, complaining about the loss.
“You had your shot,” Alford said plainly.
UCLA still has a shot, but it is increasingly becoming a lower percentage attempt. With six games left on the conference schedule – four of which are against opponents the Bruins have yet to face – UCLA is looking at its final opportunity for a postseason run.
Coach Steve Alford said that he and his team have struggled to handle pressure consistently this season, so he is refraining from putting any more stress on his team than already exists.
One player who has already seen a lot of pressure put on him this season is sophomore guard/forward Jonah Bolden. Just three weeks ago Bolden was coming off the bench to relieve senior forward/center Tony Parker. Now, not only is Bolden the starting forward, he’s also a secret weapon that the Bruins are hoping can see them through to March Madness.
“His athleticism, his activity has really been positive for us,” said sophomore center Thomas Welsh. “He really played well this past week at the Arizona schools and I think he’s just getting more comfortable with the lineup change as well as we keep moving forward.”
Alford challenged his team Sunday to come away with a road win against Arizona State and return to Westwood with a split record from UCLA’s third conference road trip. Bolden responded by leading the Bruins in scoring with 16 points to go with nine rebounds.
“He made an impact, he engaged at both ends,” Alford said. “I think we’ve got guys playing their roles now in the positions (they) like. When we were playing big-big, we were messing around with Jonah at the four spot and the three spot I think that was hard on him. … You’re seeing Jonah hit his stride now.”
Bolden is averaging 21 minutes a game this season after transitioning to being a starter following the Oregon road trip Jan. 23. The Bruins were thoroughly outplayed by the Ducks in Eugene, Oregon, prompting Alford to start Bolden in an attempt to increase UCLA’s athleticism.
So far, that plan has seen moderate success, but Bolden is no miracle worker. Against USC on Feb. 4, UCLA was outmanned and outgunned in a 80-61 blowout loss for the Bruins, though through no fault of Bolden’s. In his first collegiate season, the sophomore is averaging 4.7 points and five rebounds.
“I think (the difference) is just getting more comfortable, getting more minutes, so my teammates trust me more and me trusting myself more and just getting more comfortable in my role,” Bolden said. “I think it’s worked out the way it’s supposed to work out. It’s coming along now.”