UCLA Roster

CEDRIC BOZEMAN (Guard)

No. 21, 6-6, 183, sophomore: The freshman struggles caused by inexperience and an early season knee injury behind him, Bozeman could be the most improved Bruin. He should be more adept at involving his teammates and more aggressive using his height and driving to the basket. Whether he is a better free-throw shooter (28.6%) remains to be seen.

No. 55, 6-2, 195, junior: After sitting out last season as a transfer, Crispin should add depth and another shooting threat to the backcourt. He started 31 games as a sophomore at Penn State, averaging 7.2 points. He made 110 three-point shots in two seasons with the Nittany Lions.

*--* JON CRISPIN (Guard)

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*--* T.J. CUMMINGS (Center-Forward)

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No. 43, 6-10, 223, junior: An adept scorer from mid-range and a 50.0% shooter, Cummings must become a better all-around player to help make up for the loss of Dan Gadzuric and Matt Barnes. He has averaged only 3.3 rebounds in two seasons. Cummings is a vocal leader whose positive demeanor rubs off on teammates.

*--* MICHAEL FEY (Center)

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No. 45, 6-11, 245, freshman: A traditional wide-body center, Fey could develop into a force. He can score from inside 10 feet and has a knack for drawing fouls. More important to the Bruins will be his ability to rebound and defend. There are few experienced Pac-10 centers, so this is a good season for Fey to become acclimated.

*--* JOHN HOFFART (Center)

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No. 52, 6-10, 279, junior: Basically a quality practice opponent for Gadzuric last season, Hoffart could become valuable if Fey and Hollins are slow to develop. A transfer two years ago from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Hoffart works hard and understands the system.

*--* RYAN HOLLINS (Center)

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No. 15, 6-11, 215, freshman: One of the most athletic big men to enroll at UCLA in many years, Hollins is a windmill shot-blocker who can run the floor and dunk with a flourish. However, he is very green -- he didn’t start until his senior year at Muir High. Expect everything from highlight-reel plays to raw freshman mistakes.

*--* JOSIAH JOHNSON (Forward)

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No. 54, 6-7, 237, sophomore: A seldom-used reserve last season, Johnson has a nice touch from mid-range and is strong enough to battle on the boards. The son of former Bruin great Marques Johnson and brother of former Bruin Kris Johnson will gain playing time as he reaches peak physical condition.

*--* JASON KAPONO (Forward)

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No. 24, 6-8, 213, senior: One of the most prolific scorers in UCLA history, Kapono decided against declaring for the NBA draft for the third year in a row. His motivation has never been greater and his leadership has never been stronger. Kapono says his primary goal is to win a championship before leaving UCLA.

*--* MARCEDES LEWIS (Forward)

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No. 4, 6-6, 240, freshman: A frequently used reserve tight end on the football team, Lewis is determined to play two sports. Although he won’t join the team until football season ends, he could add a much-needed rugged presence on the boards. Lewis averaged 16 points and 10 rebounds in two years at Long Beach Poly High.

*--* ANDRE PATTERSON (Forward)

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No. 5, 6-7, 204, sophomore: Currently taking classes at Santa Monica College, Patterson will join the Bruins in mid-December if he makes sufficient academic progress. He is sorely needed. Patterson is the team’s best rebounder and a strong defender who could ease the burden on Fey and Hollins.

*--* DIJON THOMPSON (Guard-Forward)

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No. 1, 6-7, 192, sophomore: Perhaps the best NBA prospect on the roster, Thompson is a versatile wing player who can score, rebound and play smothering defense. His shooting improved dramatically in the second half of last season. Thompson needs to improve his passing and cut down on turnovers.

*--* RYAN WALCOTT (Guard)

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No. 10, 6-1, 170, sophomore: An adept point guard, Walcott contributes more than what is apparent on the stat sheet. The Bruin offense often purred when he was at the controls. Walcott again will play behind Bozeman and should get about 10 minutes a game. Improving his three-point shooting is an emphasis in practice.

*--* RAY YOUNG (Guard)

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No. 34, 6-4, 210, senior: After redshirting last season, Young will start at shooting guard, essentially replacing Billy Knight. He has appeared in 94 games and started 22. Young is an excellent defensive stopper who spent his year off honing his jump shot. He is expected to be a three-point threat who will complement Kapono on the perimeter.