Ben Howland’s overwhelming optimism seems to have
withstood the realization that it may take more than one year to
rebuild the once-proud UCLA basketball program.
Although three starters from last year’s 10-win squad are
already gone, and the status of senior T.J. Cummings remains in
limbo, the first-year coach believes there is reason to be hopeful
on the eve of the first day of practice.
“I’ve been at two other schools that were down and
out, and I’ve built them both back up,” Howland said.
“I have a good background to rebuild the program. We have
only one direction to go ““ that’s up.”
Howland is not a dreamer. He watched a tape of last year’s
season-opening loss to San Diego earlier this week, and he is fully
aware of the deficiencies that plagued the Bruins a year ago. He
knows this year’s squad is short on senior leadership and
interior depth ““ two problems which could be made worse by
the loss of Cummings, who is academically ineligible for at least
the season’s first three games.
But despite the many question marks, Howland believes the
cupboard is far from bare.
“I think we can be competitive,” he said. “It
was not a fun season to be a part of for these kids last year.
They’re all used to winning, so they’re going to be
willing to prepare and work hard.”
That diligence is already paying off for the Bruins in the
weight room, where Howland has implemented a rigorous off-season
training program. Many of the players have visibly stronger
physiques this season, most noticeably point guard Cedric
Bozeman.
Howland’s emphasis on defense and rebounding ““ two
areas in which the Bruins struggled during the final years of the
Steve Lavin era ““ has already left an impression on some of
the current players. Most of the team appears to be happy to be
playing in a more discipline-oriented regime this season.
“I like the new intensity level,” Bozeman said.
“Last year the energy was down, but coming in with a new
coach and a new attitude, all you can be is positive. Every second,
he’s staying on us. He can always find a way to get
better.”
Howland indicated that he has not established a set starting
lineup yet, and he will base his decisions largely on what takes
place in practice. He has watched very little footage from last
season in order to be as unbiased as possible in judging his
players.
One player who has stood out in workouts so far is Bozeman, who
Howland said has a chance to be one of the team’s most
improved players.
“I’ve been very pleased with Cedric,” Howland
said. “He’s really worked hard. He has the chance to be
a good defensive player. He sees the court well. He’s a good
passer. He’s coachable. I’m really excited about
him.”
Sophomore big men Ryan Hollins and Michael Fey have also made
strides over the summer, Howland said.
After bringing a physically imposing Pittsburgh squad one game
short of a berth in the Final Four, Howland will have a much
different challenge ahead of him this season.
He will have to mold a team that was among the worst in UCLA
history last season into the foundation for a Bruin resurgence.
“The past is over and done with,” Howland said.
“These players who won only 10 games last year are excited
about this season.”
“This point forward is all that matters.”