It Works Out for Howland

Failing to get a coveted job can be a great career move.

Just ask UCLA Coach Ben Howland, who lost out to Bob Williams five years ago for the vacancy at UC Santa Barbara. Howland grew up in Santa Barbara, was a Gaucho assistant for 12 years and at the time viewed becoming the successor to longtime Coach Jerry Pimm as a pinnacle.

The athletic director who hired Williams over Howland was Gary Cunningham, the former UCLA star forward and longtime assistant coach under John Wooden in the 1960s and ‘70s.

A year ago, Cunningham was a finalist for the athletic director vacancy at UCLA and was passed over in favor of Dan Guerrero, who hired Howland in April.

Williams has done well, leading the Gauchos to the NCAA tournament two years ago and to a Big West Conference title and the NIT last season.

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Senior forward T.J. Cummings did not receive his grades Tuesday, leaving the Bruins in limbo regarding his return. He is expected to know before tonight’s game whether he is eligible.

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Every former Bruin who played under John Wooden has been invited to the naming of “Nell and John Wooden Court” at Pauley Pavilion on Saturday preceding the game against Michigan State.

A luncheon will be held on campus for Wooden and all the former players before the game. Howland and his team will not attend.

“That day is special to UCLA because of the naming of the court,” Howland said. “This is long overdue.... But we will try to do our normal game routine, even though our time will be limited because the dedication is right before the game.”

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TONIGHT

vs. UC Santa Barbara

Fox Sports Net, 7:30

Site -- Pauley Pavilion.

Radio -- XTRA 1150/690.

Records -- Santa Barbara 4-2. UCLA 3-1.

Update -- Gaucho guard Branduinn Fullove, the Big West Conference player of the year last season, played 13 minutes against San Diego on Saturday after sitting out the first five games because of a sprained left ankle. Santa Barbara has won three in a row.