Lewis Will Rest, Then Join Team

Bruin Coach Steve Lavin is expecting forward Marcedes Lewis to join the team, now that football season is over, but the freshman tight end needs a break first.

Lewis said after the Las Vegas Bowl that he planned to take off until Jan. 6, which would follow UCLA’s trip to Washington and Washington State that opens Pacific 10 Conference play.

“I need to rest my knees,” said Lewis, who played both sports at Long Beach Poly High.

On Thursday, Lavin was under the impression Lewis might join the team as early as today.

“I think probably Monday, but I don’t have an official word,” Lavin said. “I saw him one time last week and he said soon as possible. I don’t know if that means [today] or Monday.

“He could play in spurts of two-three minutes fairly soon. But to get into good basketball condition it takes three-four weeks.”

Lewis, who began shooting around and playing pickup games at the Wooden Center two weeks ago, is excited to begin a new sport.

“I can’t wait,” he said. “I can bring a little tenacity. But I know how to play basketball. I can actually play.”

He has watched most of the games in person or on television, so he realizes the Bruins can use the help.

“I can’t do any worse than anybody else,” he said.

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Forward Dijon Thompson, the Bruins’ leading scorer at 17 points a game, did not practice because of swelling in his left knee. He said he expected to play Saturday against Michigan.