Kari Korver earns praise from UCLA coach

Sophomore guard Jordin Canada’s 17-point fourth quarter was the main story after third-seeded UCLA’s 72-67 victory over South Florida in the second round of the NCAA tournament, but Bruins Coach Cori Close saved her highest compliment for another player, junior guard Kari Korver, in the postgame news conference.

“She’s the slowest person on the team, and she was everywhere,” Close said of Korver. “So that tells you how hard she works. There’s never a possession that Kari doesn’t give everything. That’s the truth. It’s no different in a second-round game of an NCAA tournament as it is every day in practice. There is literally never a possession that she doesn’t give everything mentally and physically.”

Korver hasn’t scored 17 points in a game all season, let alone in one quarter. But she has become the unofficial litmus test for UCLA’s success: If Korver is playing well, the Bruins probably are too. That will take on an even greater importance Saturday, when UCLA (26-8) faces off against the second-seeded Texas Longhorns in the Bridgeport Region. The Longhorns (30-4) give up only 55.8 points a game.

“I was pleased in the USF game with the way we found Kari Korver,” Close said after Thursday’s practice. “We were able to execute our offense more and get her a few more touches in rhythm. That always helps us.”

Against the Bulls, Korver had arguably her most complete game of the season, with 12 points (three of six from three-point range), six assists, and six rebounds in 35 minutes. It was a stat line that could easily be attributed to another Korver: her cousin, Kyle, who plays for the Atlanta Hawks. Kari has four cousins who played at least Division I basketball, but she says at this stage of the NCAA tournament, now isn’t the time to ask for any tips.

“I wouldn’t say I seek out advice,” Korver said. “They’re really great at encouraging me. I got a text from Kyle two days ago just saying, ‘Great job, keep it going in the Sweet 16.’ I mainly get encouragement from them, and I usually talk to them in the off-season and ask them questions about stuff.”

Kari wasn’t always known for her energy — she says it took until high school for that part of her game to develop. But she has embraced her role as a “three and D” player, and that Coach Close pointing out her slow-footed shortcomings isn’t a big deal.

“It doesn’t bother me at all, she’s really trying to give me a compliment,” Korver said. “She’s saying that I’m working really hard and that’s what making me able to make an impact on the floor. I don’t take it personally.”

Swain update

UCLA senior forward Kacy Swain, a starter who has missed the last seven games with a knee injury, is still considered day to day. Swain’s goal was to return for the NCAA tournament, but she had “a little bit of a setback,” according to Close.

“I thought she was going to be back before the last game,” Close said. “We’re pushing every day to get her forward. I’m still hoping to get her in as soon as we can.”

Swain is averaging 6.6 points and 6.9 rebounds this season. Sophomore Lajahna Drummer has been filling her spot in the starting lineup. She had eight points and tied a season-high with 12 rebounds against South Florida.