Aggressiveness Is Key for Bozeman

Despite a history of poor free-throw shooting, sophomore guard Cedric Bozeman might have been the ideal Bruin to stand at the line with the Georgetown game in the balance.

He is so low-key it wouldn’t have been too surprising had he fallen asleep during the timeout preceding the shots.

“Everybody criticizes him for not playing well, but lately he’s been one of our strongest players,” forward Jason Kapono said. “To sink them so calmly being a [career] 40% free-throw shooter says a lot about his character.”

Surrounded by reporters before practice Tuesday, Bozeman again was cool and collected in the face of questions about his free-throw shooting.

“Sometimes I lose my confidence, but the main thing is to relax and stay strong,” he said. “The nine-game losing streak wasn’t fun. We wanted it to end. We can build on that victory.”

Bozeman, a 6-foot-6 McDonald’s All-American from Mater Dei High, entered UCLA as the most touted recruit since Kapono. But he hasn’t appeared comfortable at point guard and does not yet shoot well enough to be a dominant wing player.

But he plays better defense than most of his teammates and has demonstrated an ability to slash to the basket for layups.

“Staying aggressive is the key for me,” he said.

Coach Steve Lavin says Bozeman’s best games lay ahead, using one of Aesop’s fables as analogy.

“He was projected to be the hare, to come in and dominate, but he’s more like the tortoise; it’s taking time,” Lavin said. “As a result, he might be someone who benefits in the long haul from adversity. As a junior and senior, he can be a better player for all his struggles.

“To win on two free throws on national TV is something that should build Cedric’s confidence. I think he’s played with more confidence and asserted himself the last couple weeks at both ends of the floor. He’s definitely made progress.”