Following a dismal 9-20 record, the Bruins finally have good
news going into preseason conditioning.
UCLA women’s basketball star Michelle Greco has been
granted a medical hardship to play a fifth and final season.
With the overwhelming suggestion of Bruin medical specialists,
Greco redshirted last season because of her history of mild
concussions.
Now healthy and cleared to play, she is ready to go.
“I was really down when I found out, but everything has
turned into a positive for me,” the senior guard said.
“I feel like I’m in the best shape of my life, and I
want to just go out and help the team.”
Greco averaged 23.6 points per game during the first five games
of the 2001-2002 campaign.
She missed the remainder of the season, and was limited to
non-contact aspects of team practice.
But sitting on the sideline for the year only helped her
game.
“It made me appreciate the sport I love, and one thing I
will bring is confidence and leadership,” she said.
“My shot has really improved too, and I’ve pushed
myself getting in shape, so I’ll be able to contribute on
both ends of the court.”
Now that the news is official, head coach Kathy Olivier is
extremely happy and thrilled about the upcoming season. She knows
Greco will not let her down.
“I really wish I had two Michelles, and not just because
she scores, but she is a genuine player,” Olivier said.
“Being on the other side of the game, she will bring us a
lot of maturity with that extra year under her belt.”
In 2000-01, her last full season with UCLA, Greco led the Pac-10
in scoring at 19.9 points per game, while finishing first in the
conference in free throw percent (.865), fourth in steals (2.33)
and sixth in three-point field goals per game (1.85).
The 50 three-point shots Greco made that season established a
school record.
She also is one of only four Bruins to have led the Pac-10 in
scoring.