Rush Cleared to Rejoin Practice

JaRon Rush has been cleared to rejoin practice while the investigation into his dealings with an agent and former AAU coach continue, but he has remained at home in Kansas City with the blessing of the coaching staff as his indefinite suspension from games continues.

Lavin has cleared Rush to be with family, friends and advisors in Missouri while his future with the program remains in doubt. The only deadline UCLA has given is to be back for the Jan. 10 start of the academic quarter. Coach Steve Lavin said his phone conversations with Rush indicate the sophomore forward plans to return to Los Angeles by then, if not sooner.

Although Rush will be allowed to practice again for the first time since being suspended Dec. 10, it appears that his situation is weeks away from being resolved. All indications are that a statement from the NCAA will likely come around mid-January, with the possibility that an appeal by UCLA means the final word on his discipline, if any, may not come until early February.

Meanwhile, the NCAA reduced the suspension of Rush’s brother, Missouri freshman Kareem Rush, from 50% of the Tigers’ remaining games to 33%, making him eligible to return Jan. 29.

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UCLA’s final game before the start of Pacific 10 Conference play pits Lavin against his mentor, Gene Keady of Purdue.

“Next to my mom and dad, he’s probably the most influential person in my life,” Lavin said. “He’s the man who allowed me to get into this business, by giving me my first job. Probably 70% of my coaching philosophy is what I learned at Purdue.”

Lavin spent three seasons as a graduate assistant on Keady’s staff before coming to UCLA for the 1991-92 season.

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Sophomore swingman Billy Knight, averaging 12.6 minutes overall but only 5.7 in his last three appearances, informed the Bruins he will transfer.

TONIGHT

vs. Purdue, 7:30

Fox Sports Net 2

* Site--Pauley Pavilion.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--Bruins 7-2, Boilermakers 8-3.

* Update--Ryan Bailey is questionable because of a foot injury, meaning UCLA might be down to nine players.

* Tickets--(310) UCLA-WIN.