Lavin Wants a High-Profile Schedule

Though Sunday’s game at Durham, N.C., is the last installment of UCLA’s seven-year, six-game series with Duke, Coach Steve Lavin said he expects to put together another high-profile series with the Blue Devils in the near future.

UCLA already has agreed to a series with North Carolina (which, because of schedule problems, might not begin until 1999-2000) to replace Duke.

But Lavin said he has had discussions with Duke Coach Mike Krzyzewski about future games--and Lavin said he wants a continued national feel to the Bruin schedule.

“I’d be very surprised if we don’t end up getting a four-year or two-year [series with Duke], depending on our schedule and their schedule,” Lavin said.

“Right now, we’re trying to get North Carolina, we’re trying to get Kentucky. We’re trying to set up a series with Purdue.”

Meanwhile, Duke freshman center Elton Brand, who missed six weeks because of a broken foot, received medical clearance to play Sunday. The 6-foot-8, 260-pound Brand was Duke’s leading scorer and rebounder before breaking his left foot in practice Dec. 27.

“He will be suited up,” Krzyzewski said. “If the next two days in practice go well, he’ll play.”