Depth Brings New Dimension

Now that his bench runs deep with talented freshmen and sophomores, Coach Steve Lavin can enjoy the luxury of keeping a well-rested team on the court, giving significant minutes to as many as 10 players a game.

It was only a year ago that UCLA, beset by suspensions, was caught short-handed.

“That’s how our guys always felt when we played Stanford and Duke and Kentucky,” Lavin said. “You’re struggling to stay in the game, and here come fresh players [from the other bench]. It was almost comical.”

*

The Bruins feel better about their defense after victories over Delaware State and Oklahoma State, but with a full week of practice there is work to be done.

Lavin is concerned that his team let Oklahoma State have too many open shots late in the game. The Cowboys made five of 12 three-point shots in the second half, including crucial baskets from guards Adrian Peterson and Joe Adkins.

It is a matter of UCLA “understanding time and score, not allowing teams to get back into the game,” Lavin said. “‘We have to work on not making poor decisions in terms of gambling on defense which can lead to a three-point shot or someone getting open underneath.”