He Left a Big Impression on Cummings

T.J. Cummings isn’t so concerned about North Carolina’s height. He’s the son of former NBA player Terry Cummings, after all, and grew up hanging out with some of the tallest guys around.

But one player did leave the younger Cummings slack-jawed: Dwayne Schintzius, the 7-foot-2 journeyman center.

“He wasn’t just tall, he was big,” said the younger Cummings, who stands 6-8. “I was just a little bugger, a little ankle-biter. He was just one of the biggest people I’d ever seen in my life.”

*

Seventeen NBA teams have requested credentials to today’s game for scouts to check out the talent in person. The Lakers are sending General Manager Mitch Kupchak, who might have a tough time deciding exactly where to sit. He played basketball for North Carolina but attended business school at UCLA.

*

In North Carolina’s last three games, its opponents--Miami, Texas A&M; and Buffalo--have made a combined 33.9% of their shots. Only Michigan State and Kentucky made more than 45% against the Tar Heels, and both strolled away victorious.

UCLA has made 43.4% of its shots.

TODAY

vs. North Carolina

1 p.m., Channel 2

* Site--Pauley Pavilion.

* Radio--KXTA (1150).

* Records--UCLA 4-3, North Carolina 6-2.

* Update--The Bruins won, 71-68, at Chapel Hill last season, pulling away with two free throws by Ryan Bailey with 14 seconds to play.

* Tickets--Less than 100 remained Friday evening. Details: (800) UCLA-WIN.