Ariza Isn’t Pondering Departure

Like most college players, Trevor Ariza wants to play in the NBA. Unlike most players, he has an excellent chance of doing so.

Just not yet.

Ariza, a freshman forward averaging 11.5 points and 6.4 rebounds, is expected to evaluate his NBA stock after the season. But scouts say he needs to gain weight, strength and experience to become a first-round pick.

He has come to the realization that he needs at least one more year of UCLA Coach Ben Howland’s rigorous program. Even if Ariza would rather play in a more free-flowing, up-tempo system.

“If I thought I was ready [for the NBA], everybody would know I was ready,” he said. “There would be no question when it’s time for me to go.

“I need to get more efficient with my game and get stronger, definitely. And win. I want to win.”

As for rumors that he plans to transfer, he has a one-word answer:

“No.”

You sure?

“Absolutely.”

Ariza, who attended Westchester High, is comfortable in Westwood. His mother lives close to campus and he goes home on weekends.

Even though Ariza has been unable to lift weights religiously since he suffered a collapsed lung in November, he has slowly gained weight and recently hit 200 pounds for the first time. His goal is to reach 215 by next season.

Typical of UCLA freshman athletes, academics are a struggle for Ariza. But he said his eligibility was not in doubt.

He speaks frequently on the phone to his father, who lives near the school he nearly chose over UCLA -- Florida.

“The day I committed to UCLA I had just changed my mind,” Ariza said. “That same day, I was going to commit to Florida. I just decided I wanted to stay close to home.”

Any regrets?

“Not at all,” he said. “It’s been a tough season, but I’ve learned a lot.”

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UCLA did not have a player on the All-Pacific 10 Conference team for the first time since 1959-60.

Senior T.J. Cummings and junior Dijon Thompson made honorable mention, and Ariza was chosen to the All-Freshman team.