Hines Finds Himself in Light Blue Heaven

The Bruins flew in from Los Angeles Thursday. Rico Hines could have done it without the plane.

More than a huge game for UCLA, which needs a strong showing Saturday against No. 13 North Carolina for credibility’s sake, it’s a career moment for the junior swingman and tri-captain from Greenville, N.C., needing to play well for sanity’s sake.

He has been looking forward to this moment for a year and a half, ever since learning from Coach Steve Lavin that the Bruins scheduled a home-and-home series with the Tar Heels.

“To be honest, it’s like a dream come true,” said Hines, a key reserve and emotional leader. “My first dream would have been to play there. My second best would be to beat North Carolina at North Carolina. Man!”

He grew up about 90 miles from Chapel Hill. His mother graduated from North Carolina. So did two aunts. He is a longtime friend of Jason Capel, a Tar Heel starting forward. He has attended several games at the Smith Center, site of Saturday’s nationally televised game, and expects to have 25 relatives and friends in attendance.

“I think about it every night,” Hines said. “Every time I close my eyes, I think about it. I get butterflies. I can’t believe this is finally going to happen.”