Effort Might Not Be the Problem

The perception that the Bruins have suddenly become a lackadaisical, uncaring group has been reinforced by some of the players, who suggest that a lack of effort is behind the problems contributing to their five-game losing streak.

It is the same refrain the team sung much of last season, when UCLA went 10-19.

However, other players and coaches believe the team is playing as hard as it knows how. It’s just that a lack of effort is easier to admit to than a lack of talent.

Players who have been told all their lives how great they are become bewildered when losses pile up. Rather than coming to grips with the fact that maybe they aren’t as exceptional as they believed, they insist that poor performances will end when they exert more effort.

Freshman forward Trevor Ariza knows better.

“I think everyone is trying as hard as they can,” he said. “It’s just hard to deal with losing, period.”

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Brian Morrison’s five-week layoff because of a hamstring injury took a toll on his shooting touch. After missing all four of his shots Wednesday against USC in his first game back, he made two of eight against St. John’s.

Both baskets were three-pointers in the second half. Morrison played 20 minutes before fouling out with four minutes left.

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Dijon Thompson has expressed to Coach Ben Howland that he would rather play forward than guard because he wants to crash the offensive boards. Howland insists that the guards get back on defense as soon as a shot is released.

However, Thompson averaged only 1.3 offensive rebounds a game when he played forward and several were on putbacks of his own misses.

“He’s searching, looking for ways to be better,” Howland said. “He has to trust me and do what he’s asked to do.”

Thompson moves to forward when Morrison enters the game.

“It’s hard to go from one position to the other, it’s a challenge to remember what you are supposed to do,” Howland said.

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Ariza broke out of a shooting slump with his nine-for-17 performance.

His free throw shooting, however, regressed. Ariza missed all five attempts from the line against St. John’s. He had made eight of his last 10 free throws attempts, but now his percentage for the season is 45.2.