Improving Defense Is Top Priority

You don’t need a stat sheet to discover why the UCLA coaches stressed defense in practice this week, but it helps. The Bruins give up 84 points per game, with no other Pacific 10 Conference school giving up more than 73. The Bruins also give up the most rebounds per game among Pac-10 teams and rank next-to-last in defensive field-goal percentage.

“We’re not very good on defense, and the coaches are trying to harp on that point,” forward Jason Kapono said. “We are kind of soft. We’re not taking charges. We’re getting punked in the paint. Small guys are driving to the hoop and getting layups.”

The UCLA coaches say they can accept a poor game on offense but not on defense.

“There are nights the ball will not go through the basket,” assistant coach Steve Spencer said. “But there are some constants, and defense should be a constant. That’s how you win championships.”

Coach Steve Lavin often talks about an experience factor this season, of a roster with nine juniors and seniors, including the injured Rico Hines. Freshman T.J. Cummings is the only newcomer to see significant action. So why are experienced players lacking in defensive fundamentals?

“It’s nice to have a veteran team, but that doesn’t guarantee we’ll be as efficient as we would like at this point in the season,” Lavin said.