Start of Pac-10 generates a buzz
With the start of conference play only days away, there was a palpable difference as UCLA players gathered at Pauley Pavilion for practice Tuesday afternoon.
“Pac-10’s always an exciting time,” forward James Keefe said. “Because every game you’re fighting for something.”
The fight begins Friday night against an Oregon State team hoping to bounce back from a 2007-08 season in which it failed to win a conference game.
They have a new coach in Craig Robinson -- President-elect Barack Obama’s brother-in-law -- and a new look on the court. Robinson, who played for Pete Carrill at Princeton, has instituted a distinct style.
“We are trying to do a lot of things all at once,” Robinson said after the Beavers defeated Seattle on Monday to improve to 5-5.
“We are trying to learn a new system, and we are trying to win.”
UCLA Coach Ben Howland said he expected to see a 1-3-1 or 2-3 zone defense the entire game. And a Princeton-style offense.
“They’re going to be very, very patient,” Howland said. “They may only take 35 or 40 shots, so each possession has a lot more importance placed on it.”
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Winging it
Freshman guard Malcolm Lee has started rehabilitation for injuries to his left knee that include a bone bruise.
Lee will travel with the team to Oregon this week but is not expected to play. His absence leaves the Bruins with a number of potential lineups.
Howland said that Josh Shipp, Jrue Holiday and Michael Roll will share minutes in the wing positions. He left open the possibility that Nikola Dragovic might be shifted to the wing and that Darren Collison and Jerime Anderson could be on the court together.
“Obviously, I’m disappointed that Malcolm Lee is injured right now,” Howland said. “It was really unfortunate that he is hurt because of the strides he’s making.”
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Mr. Clean
Alfred Aboya might not be the biggest center around, but his coach and teammates say he has become the heart of the UCLA defense.
“He’s so good at denying the ball in the post,” Howland said.
The senior has taken 12 charges in as many games, which means the other Bruins have come to rely on him when they get beaten off the dribble.
“He’s been the clean-up guy,” Collison said. “He’ll step right in.”
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Go beyond the scoreboard
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