Seven-Man Rotation Preferred

Coach Steve Lavin says he is unconcerned that he has basically abandoned the notion of getting major minutes from his bench even in the Bruins’ pre-conference schedule.

Suspended center Jelani McCoy is set to return against Illinois on Tuesday, and that gives UCLA at least six players Lavin can use comfortably in critical situations.

UCLA begins Pacific 10 Conference play Jan. 3 at Arizona, the defending national champion.

“We’re really looking for a seven-man rotation,” Lavin said. “With Jelani McCoy coming back, that will really strengthen things up. Our ’95 [national-title winning] team never played more than seven guys.

“And what I’m looking at is our five players are pulling away at the end [of games] from other teams who are playing nine or 10.”