Hines Is Set to Start, Kapono Gets Point

Uncertainty will give way to stability, potential to seniority.

Fifth-year senior Rico Hines is expected to replace injured freshman Cedric Bozeman in the UCLA starting lineup tonight against UC Riverside.

Hines is a mature leader and strong defender, but his offense has been nonexistent--he is scoreless in 60 minutes, missing seven shots and two free throws.

He also is not a point guard. Some might say neither is the 6-foot-6 Bozeman, who had knee surgery Monday and will be sidelined four to six weeks. But that is where Bozeman started.

Leading scorer Jason Kapono, normally the small forward, will move to point guard in what essentially is a three-guard lineup with three-point specialist Billy Knight and Hines.

Coach Steve Lavin said distributing the ball and bringing it upcourt should not reduce Kapono’s scoring.

“The burden of playing point won’t fall on Jason,” he said. “His overall maturity is enough where he can play the point even though it is not his natural position.”

Freshman Dijon Thompson and redshirt freshman Ryan Walcott, the only true point guard in the program, also will also get minutes at the point.

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Post players Matt Barnes and Dan Gadzuric are nearly recovered from ankle injuries that have hampered their effectiveness. Both will probably start tonight, although Lavin is contemplating replacing Gadzuric with T.J. Cummings.

After a three-point, three-rebound performance in the Bruins’ loss to Pepperdine last week, Barnes spoke to Magic Johnson, who suggested that he watch film of his best performances last season.

“He said to watch five games, my rebounds, assists, how I attacked the basket and my footwork on the press,” Barnes said. “He said I’ll find my niche.”

TONIGHT

vs. UC Riverside, 7:30

Fox Sports Net

Site--Pauley Pavilion

Radio--XTRA (1150), KPLS (830).

Records--UCLA 2-2, UC Riverside 0-4.

Update--The Bruins must adjust to the loss of Bozeman by pressing less and utilizing more zone defense. This is Riverside’s fifth consecutive road game.