The biggest question mark for the UCLA men’s basketball
team early in the season has been the center position. In the last
three games, UCLA coach Ben Howland has started three different
players on the inside as injuries continue to riddle the Bruins.
Sophomore Lorenzo Mata is out with a concussion. He is day-to-day.
Senior Michael Fey has also been hampered by a right ankle sprain.
“It’s really been hard,” Howland said.
“I’ve never in my 25 years seen this many injuries. Not
only for my team, but for any team. It’s been crazy.”
Because of the injuries, competition for the starting nod continues
to heat up among freshman Richard Wright, who started against
Coppin State, freshman Alfred Aboya and senior Ryan Hollins. In
practice, Howland separates the frontcourt and the backcourt and
has them run one-on-one drills along with full five-on-five
scrimmages. After each practice, he analyzes the statistics and
then determines who will start for the upcoming game. Players know
the opportunity for playing time is up for grabs. “Coach told
me even though we have seniors, he basically said positions are not
set in stone,” Wright said. “Whoever wants it more and
works hard in practice will get the minutes. “It’s been
getting better for me and the practice I’m starting to get
used to the level of play. I’m trying to learn more.”
To say the least, the Bruins have been unproductive on the inside.
In the last three games, the starting center has failed to produce
any points. “That’s where we miss Mike (Fey) the
most,” Howland said. “He gave us those 8.5 points a
game last year. His injury has really put us behind and we need
him. We start conference play in three weeks and he is still our
best chance at scoring in there. After him, there is Lorenzo and
Ryan (Wright) on the inside.” As for Hollins, though he has
been a defensive threat, getting offensive production out of the
lanky 7-footer is difficult. Hollins is currently averaging 4.6
points and 3.6 rebounds a game. “He’s done a good job
contesting shots and making blocks, but in scoring he gets knocked
off balance,” Howland said. “As soon as he gets knocked
off balance it throws him off. It’s unfortunate that the game
is a physical game, especially the waist down, when you’re a
post player.”
FEY STILL OUT: Fey is still out with a right ankle sprain. He is
expected to return in the next four or five days. Howland did not
rule Fey out for the Wooden Classic. Fey said he expects to be
ready by Saturday. “It’s feeling good, most of the
swelling is going down,” he said. “It’s just
bruised. I haven’t tried running on it. As far as running and
practice I’m not sure.” The senior injured his ankle
last Thursday on his own after going out to hedge a screen in
practice. Among the list of injuries this season for Fey is a
severe groin strain and a sprained left shoulder. He is averaging
4.4 points and 2.2 rebounds in 13 minutes of action.
“It’s been frustrating because I haven’t missed
one game, one practice in my whole career here at UCLA until this
year,” he said. “I’ve gotten three injuries
back-to-back-to-back. I’ve just got to keep battling through,
and luckily this stuff is happening in the beginning of the year.
Hopefully I’ll be at 100 percent come conference
play.”
SHIPP SET TO SAIL SOON: Early this week, sophomore forward Josh
Shipp met with the team doctor. He will be cleared to practice in
two weeks. Shipp has been sidelined for the entire season after
undergoing arthroscopic right hip surgery on Sept. 28; Wednesday
marked the 10-week anniversary of the day he had surgery. Last
season, he was the fourth-leading scorer, averaging 9.3 points and
5.2 rebounds per contest.