LA Times: UCLA basketball - Early preseason update

UCLA basketball: Early preseason update
by David Wharton
Los Angeles Times
October 20, 2009 | 2:37 pm

If UCLA fans have cause for concern about their young team, just four practices into the new season, they need look no further than the point guard position.

Sophomore Jerime Anderson is expected to miss at least five more practices with a groin injury, a condition that hampered him in high school and during his freshman year.

It's troubling news given the Bruins' lack of depth in the back court.

"Everybody should be worried," Coach Ben Howland said. "I am, most of all."

When practices resume Wednesday -- the team is spending today in individual player meetings -- shooting guard Malcolm Lee and seldom-used junior Mustafa Abdul-Hamid will handle the point responsibilities. Howland said he will not rush Anderson back into action.

"We cannot afford for this to be a chronic thing," the coach said. "Which means he's going to get off to a slower start."


As for the other Bruins who have suffered injuries over the last week, the team is waiting for updated reports on freshmen Mike Moser (lower back) and Brendan Lane (ankle) later today. Lee, who suffered a potential concussion, will also see a doctor this afternoon but is expected to return Wednesday.

The good news is that forward James Keefe, who reinjured his shoulder and was expected to miss four to six weeks, has been cleared for moderate contact in practice.

"He's way ahead of schedule," Howland said.

Speaking of schedules, with so many freshmen and sophomores on the roster, the Bruins' early practices have focused on fundamentals. As with any Howland team, that means defense and rebounding, setting screens and the infamous jump stop.

"I would say we're going slower," Howland said. "It's more basic. I'm not going to assume that they know any particular thing."

So far, several players have stood out.

Sophomore Drew Gordon and freshman Reeves Nelson have looked good around the boards, with Nelson shooting 17 of 22. Sophomore J'mison Morgan has moved well after a summer of physical conditioning.

Howland also praised freshman Tyler Honeycutt, who spent much of the summer recovering from a spinal stress fracture.

"He's done a nice job in his first four practices," Howland said. "He needs to rebound better, but you can see his future at the offensive end of the floor."

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