Hines Listed as Questionable

Rico Hines is still experiencing headaches from a concussion he suffered early last week and is questionable for Thursday’s game at Arizona State. The Bruins have won 10 of 11 since Hines, a guard, broke into the starting lineup.

Freshman Cedric Bozeman will start if Hines does not. Bozeman, back for two weeks from a knee injury, probably will play more minutes than Hines even if the senior is healthy.

Hines played against USC and Kansas last week, telling trainers he felt fine. However, he had difficulty concentrating in school and finally acknowledged the headaches had not gone away.

“I talked to my mom and she reminded me I can’t jeopardize life after basketball,” he said. “There was no way I was going to miss those games last week, but I have to do what is smart.”

Coach Steve Lavin said Hines will start if he is cleared by doctors.

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Practices the last two days were especially spirited, which Lavin credits to his 10-man rotation.

“With so many players contributing, they have hope there is a niche for them to get more minutes,” he said.

“That makes for an intense practice.”

Steve Henson